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BSSA7S AT POBTRy^ 

OR A COLLECTION OP 

FUGITIVE PIECES; 

WITH THE LIBE OF 



BY EDWIN AUGU^^TUS ATLEE, M. »• 

M 

PHII^AIiELPHIA. 



' Poeta nascitui — nonfit,-* 

This adage of the Roman bard 
The author fears, perchance may hit 

Many, besides himself, full hard! 
If PEDANTS shall his rhymes disdain; 

Yet those for whom they have been penn'dj 
May think he has not rhym'd in vain: 

And thus, he will have gain'd his end. 



^Xy " You shall seldom find' a dull fellow of good education, 
but (if he happen to have any leisure upon his hands) will 
turn his head to one of these two amusements for all fools oi' 
eminence— /Jo//V2C3*orjpoe^r7/." 

Spectator, JSTo. 43. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
T. S. MANNING, PRINTEIU 

1823. 




.Eastern District of Pennsylvania^ to ■wii: 

Be it Remembered, That on the ninth day of 
February, in the fifty-second year of the Indepen- 
dence of the United States of America, A. D. 1828, 
Edxvin Augustus .Mee^ M. D. of the said District, 
hath deposited in this office the title of a Book, the 
rig-ht whereof he claims as author, in the words 
following, to wit : 

Ussays at Poetry y or a Collection of Fugitive Pieces; ivith the life 
of Eiigenius Laude Watts. By Edivin Augustus Mlee, M. D, 
Philadelphia. 

' Poeta nascitur — non fit;' 

This adage of the Roman bard 
The Author fears, perchance may hit 
Many, besides himself full hard ! 

If pedants shall his rhymes disdain ; 

Yet those for whom they have been penned, 
Jilay think he has not rhyjn^d in vain : 

And thus, he -will have gained his end. 

Cfy " ^^'^^i shall seldom find a dull fellow of good education, but 
" {if he happen to have any leisure upon his hands) will tur<; 
" his head to one of these two amusements for all fools of emi- 
*•' ne?ice— politics or poetry." Spectator, JSTo. 43. 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United 
Slates, intituled, "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, 
by securing the copies of Maps, Chai-ts, and Books, to the 
authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times there- 
in nrentioned," And also to the Act, entitled " An Act supple- 
mentary to an Act, entitled " An Act for the Encouragement 
of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and 
Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during 
the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits there- 
of to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical 
iind other prints." 

D. CJ LB WELL, 

Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylva7ua. 



^ 



PREFACE. 



In thus obtruding on the literary world, the 
following essays, the author candidly avows, 
that a desire to appear in print was not absent. 
His principal aim, notwithstanding, was, to en- 
tertain and improve the mind. 

That portion of the volume which he has 
chosen to dignify with the title of ^* Poem/' is 
part of the real biography of an individual now 
living, with whom the author has been intimate- 
ly acquainted from childhood. 

Had it not been for the partial opinions of 
some of his friends, he should not have exposed, 
undei' the name of Poetvfj} what good judges 

A2 



vi PREFACE. 

cannot fail to detect as the work of a tyro: 
for previously to the commencement of the 
^^Life of EuGENius Laude Watts,'^ he had 
iiot, to his recollection, composed two hundred 
lines, either in rhyme or blank verse. 

Several of the Classic Poets of Britain, he 
liad read in younger life; and although he has 
not intentionally plagiarised, nor set any one of 
them before him as a pattern; yet, it will be 
evident that one figure (page 21) is borrowed 
from that elegant and most Ingenious Poet, 
Darwin; it having made on the author's me- 
mory so indelible an Impression, as that he may 
have used many of the words, with which it 
was originally clothed, in that imperishable 
work, the '' Botanic Garden.'^ It is hov/ever 
certain, that, of whatever other merit this little , 
work may be devoid, it possesses originalitij 
throughout. 

The extracts, translated into blank verse, 
sre from an old Latin work, by a Swedish au- 



# 



PREFACE. \ii 

ilior, entitled " I)e Amove et Cultu Bei:^^ the 
whole of which is, in his humble judgment, of a 
character truly classical and rich — worthy of the 
Augustan age of Rome, or of Great Britain. 

The parts of the volume above specified, to- 
gether with the *^ Fugitive Pieces/^ were com- 
posed amid professional and domestic perplexi- 
ties, in which it has been the author's lot to be 
engaged, without super'flitous emolument, during 
the greater portion of his life. He regrets that 
the distant subscription papers v/ere too late in 
return, to enable him to publish the names of 
all subscribers ; and begs it to be understood^ 
that those who have thus patronized him, arc 
not at all answerable for any sentiments con- 
tained in the work. Such as it is, he now pre° 
sents it, in the hope, that if deemed worthy of 
a ^' Review,'' it may survive its flagellation^— 
possibly the jlageilaton 



CONTENTS, 

LIFE OF EUGENI17S lAUDE WATTS, 
BOOK I. 



Fa^e 



O' 



His lineage, early life and school adventiireg, 10 

BOOK IF. 

Narrative of drowning scene, and subsequent re- 
suscitation; including observations on Divine 
Providence — the family group, - - 23 to 29 

BOOK 111. 

Visiters, of various characters, to the mansion of 
his father, with motives as various — Advice to 
parents relative to Education^ — Presentiment of 
the death of his mother — He is sent to Carlisle 
College — His examination — Anecdote of Dr. 
Kesbit — Gallantries — Illness — Recovery of Eu- 
genius — and follies consequent— Apostrophe to 
the Deity, SO to 41 

BOOK IV. 

Vacation — thoughts of home — visit to the family — 
Examiriation — event. Return to College — oc- 
currences on the way — caution to the voluptua- 
ry — Some schemes rendered abortive, - 42 to 4r 



S CONTEXTS. 

BOOK V. 

Page 
Serious cross occurrences—Disease pervades his 
father's dwelling — Death of his father — Proof 
of friendship — Eugenius commences the study 
of Law — soon forsakes it for Physic — Whiskey 
Insurrection — Washington — American Eagle, 

48 to 50 

BOOK VI. 

March of troops to quell the Insurrection — re- 
marks on self-preservation — great advantage of 
uniform, the constituent of a soldier — Gross 
misconduct of Eugenius — Deer Hunt — serious 
consequences — Return of the troops — His vene- 
rable Preceptor retires from practice — and Eu" 
genius leaves his second home, for Philadelphia- 
Arrangements — ^derangements — arrival — board- 
ing-house, = - - - - 56 to 65 



BOOK VII. 

Professor Bartox — Eugenius turns sailor — Capf. 
Maxwell — Brig Susanna — Various adventures 
of Eugenius — Bill Harris — Shipwreck — arrival 
at Bermuda, 66 to 75 



BOOK VIII. 

Sunday — Africans — Alarm of Bill Harris — Ex- 
emplary conduct of Jack Jidams — narrow escape, 
of Harris — Picaroon — the brig's danger, and 
escape — over-ruling Providence — Jamaica — ^im- 
prudent adventure in the yav/l- — Philanthropy^of 
an inn-keeperj - - = - - 76 to 86 



fl 



CONTENTS. XI 

BOOK IX. 

Tagil. 
MaxwelPs anxiety for the yawl — its safe return — 
tlie inn-keeper again — A Ball—Aiternation of 
state of Eugenius — Remarks on dress — and 
wealth — Home — the Buss, - - -^ 87 to 94 

BOOK X. 

Eugenius re-assumes medical studies— -but studies 
little — ventures however foraDipl^nna — is justly 
rejected — settles in Middletown — Elizabeth- 
town — Friendship of Tcjctor Celsiis — Portrait 
of a little Dutch girl — difficulty of procuring 
the original — unexpected success, - 95 to 102 

BOOK XI. 

Preparations for house-keeping — trial of patience 
—the Raft— profit and loss — Eugenius removes 
to Columbia — some secrets, not very favorable 
to our Hero — Providential chastisement — the 
necessity, and happy consequences thereof— 
Eugenius makes a great sacrifice in order to ob- 
tain Diploma — gains the prize — is supplanted — 
despairs — his losses — false and true friend- 
ship, - - - - 100 to 110 

BOOK XII. 

Radical changes — most interesting to that incon- 
spicuous class of readers who best know them- 
selves — removal to Philadelphia — finances of 
Eugenius — Beale — Yorke — Progress of Euge- 
nius; by some called "-changes," from ''Jleth- 
odism,^^ through '• Quaker Ism^^^ to '^Swedenbor- 
;g'm?zis?ri.""— Concluding remarks on Faiih and 
Doctrme, - - - 111 to 122 



SU CONTENTS. 

FUGITIVE PIECES. 

Tage 

Lines addressed to a Friendj - - - 123 

Lines addressed to M. E. H. - - - 125 

Lines to my Niece, 127 

Impromptu — Madam Cantelo, - - - 129 

Impromptu — on a Funeral, - - - - ib. 

In a copy of the New Testament, - - 130 

In a Daughter's Album, . - » - ih. 

Another, - - 131 

Another, = - IB. 

In the Album of Miss S-n B-d-f-d, - - 132 

In the Album of Miss S-h B-d-f-d, - » 135 

In a Young Lady's Album, - - - - 134 

Translation of a German Hymn, - - - 134 

To Miss Mary H-w-1, 136 

To Miss Eleanor H-w-1, . - - - ib. 

Acrostic, 137 

'• Thou shalt call his name Jesus." - - 13S 
Translation of an Extract from a Latin Prose 

Work, printed in 1745, . - « - 139 



ElTGXiNXUS LAUDE WATTS, 

A POEM. 

BOOK I. 



Ye, whom the simple annals of a Man 
To fame but little known; of life whose span 
No deed heroic boasts, (nor yet — ''whose blood 
(" Has crept thro' scoundrels ever since the flood/') 
Can aught of interest yield: unbend awhile 
The studious brow; ye may, perchance, beguilcj 
AVithout injurious tendency, some hours; 
Not to enervate, but refresh your pow'rs. 
Truth I shall write — but think me not to blame^ 
10 If from your ken 1 hide his real Name, 

"With the same Art as erst was used by Bacon, 
To veil the Chymic Fowh\ which oft the earth has 
shaken. 

Near where meand'ring; Conostogo laves 
The Soil luxuriant, with his lisnpid waves. 
Stands the fair LANCASTER,the well-known pride 
Of Cities inland; one which claims beside, 
A portion of that State, to the great Penn 
By Royal Grant convey'd: once the rude den 
Of ruder Trib.'s, whose pri(»r native claim 
10 Was by him nfMy purchas'd; and his Name 
Receiving, shall to latest Ages, prove, 
A Record of the Man, whom all should love. 

Of Parentage not mean, Eugenius here 
First Light beheld, and breath'd the vital Air| 
Here first, in infant Innocence, enjov'd 
Parental Love, and pleasures unalioy^i. 
A gen'rous Father's hand the Table spread; 
C 



14 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

His num'rous offspring, healthful, shar'd the bread, 

Earn'd by his labours in his Country's Cause; 
30 Dispensing from the Bench her equal Laws. 

A pious Mother, too, with anxious care. 

Suppliant for them preferr'd the daily Pray'r; 

Pointed, and led them in, the heav'nly road, 

Thro' patient self-denial, unto God. 

Ah! had the stripling, then, her worth but known^ 

Ere childhood's tender, heedless years "had flown; 

What Joys substantial — what unsullied Bliss, 

Had off, instead of Wretchedness, been his; 

While, in loose Pleasure well nigh swallow'd up. 
40 He drank, inebriated, of fell Circe- s cup! 

'Twas here Eugenius first, in Learning's lore. 
Saw his young Mind evolve its little store; 
The Earth four annual courses scarce had run, 
Ere forth to School was sent the hopeful Son; 
/ With shining face, and Satchel at his side, 
To Madam Anderson's he cheerful hied. 
Now, this sage dame, in A, B, C, well skill'd. 
As Fame reports, full well her station fill'd: 
Save that no frown e'er chill'd with boding fear^ 
60 The little urchins rang'd around her Chair; 
Nor voice terrific thunder'd her conunands; 
Nor cruel Ferule bruis'd their tender hands. 
Hers was the novel Flan, her little School, 
Not by Severity, but Love, to rule. 

Eugenius soon his A, B, C, acquir'd; 
Next conn'd his a, b-ab, and still untir'd, 
Ne'er skipp'd a lesson, nor a task forsook, 
'Till thro' the Primer and Big Spelling-Book-| 
His wond'ring Parents saw. with purest Joy, 
CO The rapid progress of their darling boy; 
And, with a view to bring him 0!i the faster, 
Rf ;ii)lv'd to change the Madam for a Master. 
The Master choseji, off the youth was sent; 
But scarce a Twelvemonth under him was spcnt^ 
Ere the dlead Tyrant he with joy forsook. 
Nur cast behind5"^one longing, img'ring look! 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 13 

Successive Pedagogues their art employ'd 
On young Eugenius, Each in turra annoy'd 
His'back'and hands, and headland e'en his earSj 

/O With ferule, rope, and fingers. Oft the Tears 
In briny floods, his numerous wrongs bespoke; 
While silent suflfering the vengeful stroke. 
Severe the chastisement— he knew not why. 
For, certes, all confessM him a smart boy. 
First in his class was he, unless disgrac'd 
By fault, supposed or real: ne'er displac'd 
By boy superior, or in age or wit; 
Yet could he ne'er the happy secret hit, 
Of pleasing those whom mosl he wish'd to please — ■ 

oO An Art which some could practise at their ease. 
True, he was forward, and some call'd him proud; 
Eugenius this, in some degree, allow'd. 
A Sttle fond of Mischief eke was he, 
And at a Joke would chuckle merrily. 
Quite off his guard, sometimes the little fool, 
Would play his Pranks, and laugh aloud in SchooL 
Yet conscious of his faults, he freely own'd, 
W^hen Punishment was just; nor ever shunn'd 
The merited correction, tho' severe! 

fO Save when they beat his head, or pull'd his ear— 
A mode of chastisement quite common then, 
And practised too by sanctimonious men, 
Who could demurely pray and preach on Sunday, 
But ne'er forgot Rattan or Rope on Monday. 
This fav'rite Plan of pulling, and of banging, 
Resembled the mild English Law of Hanging; 
For, whether the Offence was great or small, 

•One pu-niehment alike awaited all. 

Various the means one watchful Tutor tried, 
100 To wound Eugenius, and take down his pride. 
Some he acknowledg'd right; but, for the most, 
He felt them arbitrary and unjust. 
An instance he has oft been heard to mention, 
Which, gentle Reader, claims thy kind attention; 

The Scholars all were order'd to prepare 
Foi' Exhibition day. and to appear 



16 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

lii their best bib and tucker; to rehearse 
Their reading Lessons o'er, in prose and verse j 
Or shew their skill in figures, or in writing; 

110 Or construing Greek and Latin, or reciting: 
For Master had invited all his Patrons, 
With all their pretty damsels and their matrons: 
The vast improvement both to see and hear, 
Of those committed to his tender care. 
Eugenius had, for public recitation. 
A Piece, in common with a near Relation 
Of the said Tutor, who with partial eyes 
The rival Youths survey'd; and doom'd the prize. 
A large red Apple, ere the part was spciken, 

120 To his arch fav'rite; for of this, a Token 
Eugenius publicly received. He first 
The stage ascended, and his piece rehears'd. 
Without one fault: for in this noble cause, 
He honestly confess'd he sought applause; 
And the rich meed of public approbation 
AVas the chief object of his emulation. 
Not that he spurn'd the temptijig luscious Apple-— 
No — for this too he was resolv'd to grapple. 

But all! how vain his hopes: too soon he found 
130 His pinions clipp'd ; and to the deep profound, 
Of shame unmerited, with colours furl'd ; 
He from his short liv'd eminence was hurPd ! 
For tho', with one accord, the Audience gave 
Their well-earn'd Plaudits; nought, alas, could save 
From Tutor's envy. ^ Cease your praise,' he cried, 
< It ill becomes you, thus to feed his pride! 

' Vain in ih" t^xtrcmc, he needs a taking down:' 

Then to Eugenius, with malicious frown. 
He turn'd: and bade him re-ascend the stage, 
140 And say his Piece again. Ah! sad presage 
Of subsequent disgrace. At his command 
The youth confus'd and trembling, took his stand \ 
But, as th' indignant reader may suppose, 
Faulter'd from the commencement to the close. 

Abash'd,. Eugenius to his seat return 'd. 
While his sly rival for the conquest burn'd: 



1ESSAYS AT POETRY. 17 

And not in vain — for Tutor had decreed, 

That, right or wrong, his darling should succeed. 

"With mincing step, tiptoe, and head erect, 

150 The Pet advancM when the glad Tutor beck'd; 
The Rostrum mounted, and with graceful airj 
Bow'd to the Gem'men, ogled at the Fair; 
Then on Eugenius cast a waggish eye. 
As if all competition to defy. 
His speech was faulty, and full many a word^ 
By anxious prompter giv'ii^ was overheard; 
Yet to the end he ran, he scarce knew haw. 
And gave the finish with a finish'd bow. 
Then from the Rostrum gracefully descended, 

160 Watching for Praise,— =but few the lad commended. 
The honest Audience, to their feelings trucj 
Adjudg'd the prize to young Eugenius due; 
But Master's mind was previously twisted? 
Firm therefore in his purpose he persisted; 
And, spite of Justice, and in Conscience' spite*. 
Gave the red Apple to th' ungen'rous wight; 
Whose watry chops had with impatience waited*, 
Till Appetite and Envy should be sated. 
Ah! had he for a moment lent an ear, 

irO To that, whose whispers even he might hearj 
Confusion's blushes had suftus'd his face. 
And his wrong'd rival had escap'd disgrace. 

Eugenius this gross insult could not brooks 
Full on the Victor an indignant look 
lie cast; and menac'd with his fist and head, 
The fate which trembling Tom too plainly read« 
For he 'd resolv'd, since Justice was denied. 
To wreak liis vengeance on the fa v 'rite's hide. 

And naw^e wish'd -for hour of twelve had come? 
^80 "When the glad Schoolboys issued forth for home 5 
Eugenius eyed his Foe, and following close, 
O'ertook him: and administered a dose, 
Which some might name, Cathartic pugilistic-w 
Weil— 1 '11 e'en call it so to dose the distictio 
C 2 



18 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

In vain he pleaded — vain his cry, ** enough!" 
Eugenius plied him with the wholesome stuff; 
Till Pity's voice, soft mingling with his cries, 
Bade him give o'er, and let the coward rise. 

But short this triumph, for with luckless speed, 

190 Some tell-tale bore the tidings of the deed 
To Master^ s ears; who, busied with a Rule 
In Algebra, had not yet left the school. 
Header! If e'er thou 'st seen, or heard, or read, 
Of the fierce Lion, when arous'd from bed, 
By hound intrusive, or the huntsman's horn! 
Or braying of the Ass, at early morn: 
Then needs it not that I should fill my page, 
"With how this pedagogue did storm and rage. 
^' Haste — ^^hither bring th' audacious scoundrel — 
haste! 

SOO " I '11 teach him better. Ah! his back I '11 baste, 
^* Till black and blue. What ! would he dare to beat 
^' My fav'rite ? Zounds ! and in the open street ! 
*' Bring him, I say — What means the stupid fool? 
«« This instant go— or fear this pond'rous Rule !" 
* I go Sir,' tremblingly, replied the lad ; 
But prudent fear withheld, and home he sped, 
Eugenius, satisfied, sought too his home. 
Musing no little on th' expected doom. 
When brought to answer to the Judge severe^ 

£10 That afternoon ; and as the hour drew near. 
His heart 'gan to misgive him ; and a dread 
Of vengeance, made liim Vr-ish himself in bed* 
But how to get there — under what pretext, 
Was the grand query that his mind perplex'd. 
So, being in for 't, like all other Fools, 
Who deviate from Wisdom's wholesome rules 5 
The lad, to make the best of it, forsootb. 
Prefers a Lie, to simple, honest Truth, 
Pacing up stairs, his chamber now he entersj 

^£0 Binds up his head, and to undress he ventures. 
Not without certain inward checks, pursuant 
On this his first attempt to play the Truant. 
Scarce Imd he fix'd himself, with aukward art, 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 1^ 

And Conscience guilty, thus to act his part? 
When dinner was announc'd. What should he do ? 
His Father call'd ! And busy Betty too, 
Vocifeiating loud and oft his name, 
Sought high and low, till to the bed she came. 
< Hey day !' cried Betty, ' what a time 1 've had ! 

■?.jO «T/) find you out. Why, what's the matter, lad ? 
' You 're sick, young Master, eh ! your head aches 

sorely, 
«Poor boy! I '11 tell them you 're so very poorly, 
*You can't come down to dinner — shall I, dear? 
^Or shall I run and bring your Father here?' 
Now Betty had a guess what he was at, 
And, as the saying is, had « smelt a rat;' 
So never waiting for his yea or nay, 
Down stairs she scamper'd, and, without delay, 
Disclos'd the secret to th' enquiring Father; 

;240 While poor Eugenius trembled, and had rather 
Than two big Apples, he had Rever swerv'd 
From Truth, and taken what he well deserv'dj 
At School ; than sufter the severe correction , 
Which, much he fear'd, awaited his detection. 

But, ere the muse, in Melpomenic verses. 
The serious catastrophe rehearses; 
Leave we, awhile, Eugenius in his chamber, 
And to the School -room haste, where we remember 
T' have left the Teacher. Long time sat he waititig, 

550 W^ith ' tumid Liver,' to inflict the beating 

On our young Champion, who, he vainly thought^ 
W^ould by the faithless Messenger be caught^ 
But, well foreseeing evil, this young sinner, 
Chose rather to go home and eat his dinner; 
Than risk what, he conceivVl, perchance might 

ceme, 
Namely, What hones't 'Paddy gave the Drum.' 
So, Master's patience being so!newkat tir'd. 
And cool'd the rage which had his bosom fir'd | 
He deem'd it prudent to detain no longer, 

S60 But seek his mansion, to allay his hunger. 



^^0 ESSAYS AT POETRT. 

While now the Sage, in generous repast 
His ChoJer sooths by the rlelights of taste; 
The Muse, reluctant, to the chamber turns, 
And at each step the youth's dilemma mourns. 

Full well the stripling's honourM Sire I knew J 
In purpose firm, and generous and true; 
Kind though he was, and merciful ; yet just. 
And, as a Parent, faithful to his trust. 
In Chastisement, perhaps somewhat severe, 
;iro Yet could he not inflict without a Tear. 

His steps ascending now Eugenius heard. 
And now tlie Father's awe-inspiring Word ! 
6 Why this mean stratagem — deluded Boy? 
« Why thus embitter thy fond parents' joy ? 
^ Ah ! could thy anxious father have believ'd, 
'That by such wiles thou e'er could'st have de 

ceiv'd ! 
^ The cause I know : «eon were the tidings brought? 
'To my pain'd ear, of thy disgraceful fault. 
«xA.dmit, that thy Preceptor's partial eye, 
280 *Caus\l him the meed of Justice to deny; 

' Were this, my Son, were this sufficient cause, 
«For thee in turn V infringe Heav'n's righteous 

Laws ! 
< What sailh the Record of the Will Divine? 
' 'Tis written there :*' Vengeance is only Mine." 
'The Prince of Peace — Jehovah's glorious Son, 
' Whilst here incarnate pray'd — •* Thy Will be 

done ! 
^Thus too, vindictive Man, he taught to pray, 
^Liv'd what be taught; and, suff' ring, led the way^ 
« And new, enthron'd above the Highest Heav'n, 
^^290 ' By Him the sacred Influence is giv'n, 

«To all who rightly ask, by which to quell, 

^ Our warring passions, first deriv'd from hell. 

'Yet such the lost condition of our race, 

' That this sweet influence of transcendent Grace 

« By Man is still rejected, whose proud soul 

^ Brooks not to bow io its Divine controul z 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 21 

^Save a small remnant, who obey the voice 
' Of the '" wise Charmer,*' and make Peace their 
choice. 
' Whom Love yet fails by gentle cords to draw, 
300 * He deigns to bind by an inferior law: 
'To Man he delegates a Pow'r to sway 
'The rod of Justice, till that happy day, 
^ Shall, in fulfilment of prophetic Lore, 
'Resplendent shine, when War shall be no more; 
< Earth's Kingdoms, useless grown, shall yield the 

Sword, 
' To Him whose Rig-ht it is— -Th' Eternal Word, 

* But now. reluctant, I the Task assume— 

* In this uplifted Rod, behold thy doom ! 

* Conduct like thine, a penalty demands, 

310 ' Yet much it grieves me that a Parent's hands 

* Should cause Eugenius pain' 'Oh! spare thy 

' Son !' 
Th' affrighted youth exclaim'd — ' My fault I own : 
<Th' impending punishment, alas! is just; 
' But for this first offence, Oh ! dare I trust 
' To ask a Father's Pardon ? Lo 1 1 bend, 
*0n suppliant knee — Thy clemency extend!' 

He said. Compassion yearn'd toward the childj 
Unnerv'd the parent's arm. In accents mild^ 
(The Father beaming from his tearful eyes) 
3^0 He bade the penitent Eugenius rise: 

With warm affection clasp'd him to his breast; 
Sigh'd — ' I forgive' — then wept out all the rest. 

So, when the fabled Jove his vengeance hurl'd, 
To deal destruction on a guilty World : 
Swift -pinion'd Love, midway the Lightnings seiz'dj 
Smil'd in t.ie Sov'reign's face — and his fierce wrath 
appeas'd ! 

His peace of mind now fully to restore, 
Eugenius thought, forgiveness to implore 
Of Torn and his Preceptor, therefore went, 
330 Bj his lov'd Fatlier's counsel aad consent, 



13 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

With deeply humbled mind, and manner meek^ 
To each, his fault to own, and pardon seek. 
Rejoic'd, he found them ready to forgive; 
And all his wonted spirits 'gan revive. 

Thus ended the Affair: tho' small, replete 
With serious incident. Fain would I greet 
My courteous Readers, for the patience shown 
To their poor Bard's garrulity; and own, 
That all might much more brieliy have been treated, 
340 And some minutise. perhaps, omitted : 

But since the JVSuse prolific brought it forth, 
We '11 pass it for as much as 't may be worth. 
Yet, one Longhiian beauty they 'II commend— 
The Story has beginning, middle, end .' 

As when the faithful Limner, skill'd to trace 
Th' exact resemblance of the female face ; 
Brooks not deception, but, to copy Nature, 
Marks well each prominent, expressive feature; 
Nor, for a bribe, his talents, time, and paint 
/>50 E'er prostitutes, to make the sinner Saint 
Nor gives deformity, to feed her Pride^ 
That Beauty which dame Nature has denied: 
So should the. just Biographer his pen 
Employ, to sketch the characters of Men ; 
Let each, with due degree of light and shade. 
In Truth's fair Mirror be to view display'd: 
Let nought in malice be set down ; nor yet 
Aught, thro' false tenderness, extenuate. 

Unskilled to flatter, or for pelf or fame., 
360 Be this, as we progress, our constant aim; 
So may the eftorts of an humble Bard, 
Be crown'd, in after time, with the reward 
Of approbation, from the Good and Wise — 
No richer boon he asks— no more substantial prize. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 
BOOK 11. 



Our Pilgrimage, whatever some may dream. 
The impress bears, of Providence Supreme. 
What the' the paths of Virtue and of Vice 
Be left to Man's exclusive right of choice; 
And his own conduct, whether good or evil, 

iro Make him the Child of God, or of the Devil? 
Still may the philosophic mental eye. 
One all disposing Energy descry, 
Which quickens into life, inspires our breath, 
Nurtures, and saves from danoer, and from death : 
Marks the fix'dHerm of life — our beings end— 
And designates Creation's God our Friend ! 
Eugenius oft on/ this lov'd theme would dwell. 
For dangers oft the vent'rous youth befel. 
These, in their order, shall the Muse relate, 

3S0 And shew the Word Divine controuling ruthless 
Fate. 

Earth was now parch'd by fiercest solar rav., 
When, with his Schoolmates, being Holiday, 
He hied to Conostog()''s well known stream, 
Where boys repair, to angle and to swim. 
Beneath the friendly canopy of Trees, 
Its banks o'erhanging, they reclin'd at ease, 
Awhile with line and hook essayed their art, 
Till each concluding he had d«me his part; 
Thev doff'd their vestments, which with care they 

laid. ^ 

390 Respective, 'neath an Elm's inviting shade; 
And each, successive, from the flow'ry strand, 
Sought the cool stream, at their bold Chief's com 

mand 
Some, cautious, crept along the grav'ly shore, 
And duck like, lav'd their bodies o'er and o'er; 
Some on their hands supported, laid their lengtli 
Full on the shallow surface, and their streogtli 



24 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Of legs, in swimming poise, and movement urg'd: 
Some, more expert, in the deep current merg'd, 
Wheel'd, div'd, and splash'd, and all its force 

defied ; 
Or floated, motionless, adown the tide. 
400 Others, well practis'd; trod the soft profound, 
With step alternate, as on firmest ground. 

Luckless Eugeniiis, ever prompt to show, 
In feats like these, what who but he could do! 
To evidence his manliness of soul, 
Backwanis, resolvM to wade to the Deep Hole. 
(An excavation near the River's centre.) 
Whither but few were bold enougli to venture: 
Bant'ring his timid school-mates as they gaz'd, 

410 And justly at his rashness Hood amaz'd. 
While, ever and anon, he sportive cried, 
'I sink — 1 perish in the impetuous tide — 
« Help! or 1 drown.' But. when to aid thejswani, 
Laugh'd at their folly, and renew M his game, 
Till to the Hole's deep, treach'rous verge he came. 

Down sinks the Hero over head and ears. 
And quick rebounds, with no ideal fears: 
His strength and courage fail: his natant skill 
In vain he proves. Again he sinks; and still 
Oft as he lifts his head above the wave. 

420 Urgent implores fieliv'rance from the grave: 
But frustrate all — 'tis now. alas! too late— 
His Friends, departing, leave him to his fa^e! 

Who now cao paint, in lineaments of Truth, 
The horrors of the soul-desponding youth .^ 
One desp'rate effort yet. he makes to rise. 
Surmounts the surface; but his straining eyes 
No human form heboid. Death's pressure now 
He feels, and ah ! resistless, sinks below ! 
E'en there, remembrance keen his mind employs^ 
430 His Parents, Brothers, Sisters, — all the joys 
Of y(»uthful days, now swallowing up in Death^ 
Press on his view, tlio' stopt the vital breath. 



i^ 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 25 



With sad remorse for sins yet unforgiv'n, 

And most, for sporting thus with life and Heav'n: 

O'erpow'rd he falls beneath the conflict sore, 

Prone to the watry Tomb ' To rise no more ?' 

' And is he gone ? and does Eugenius sleep 
' His last, within the bosom of the deep !' 
" He lives again," the Muse exulting cries, 

440 " Cease then to mourn, and dry your tearful eyes.'^ 
For Providence omniscient had decreed, 
That Conostogo * should give up his dead ! 
Scarce was Eugenius' final struggle o'er. 
When, on fleet steed, came hast'ning to the shore^ 
His Father's servant, John, who had espied 
At distance, his last conflict with the tide ; 
And, with a noble ardour, scorning danger, 
Resolv'd if possible, to save the Stranger; 
For tidings had as yet not reach'd his home, 

450 Nor was his fate to the fond Parents known: 
But John, his task at early noon had done, 
Expecting to enjoy a little fun, 
Provided he had leave of his kind Master, 
Therefore had plied his task a little faster. 
Permission granted, John soon mounted horse^ 
And cheerly to the River bent his course ; 
W^ith rod and line, to catch a mess of Fish, 
Which he intended for a Sunday Dish. 
But mark! how Providence mysterious mov'd, 

460 To snatch from Fate the creature whom He lov'd ! 
Down to the earth, the angling rod John cast, 
And on his faithful steed the current pass'd. 
Near the Deep Hole a shallow place he found. 
Where he could touch with ease the pebbly ground: 
Halting, he cast about his eager eye, 
If haplv he the fatal spot might spy: 
Nor sought \n vain. For in the limpid stream. 
He saw, iiluminM by the solar beam, 
The corpse ; and plung'd into the yielding wave^ 

470 Anxious, tho' late, the unknown youth to save; 
D 



26 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

SeizM, in an instant, on his flowing hair, 

And brought him forth, triumphant, to the Air. 

Next 'cross his willing horse, the bod^^ cast; 

Then safe to land convey'd his Prize in haste. 

There, on the sunny margin of the shore, 

He rolPd and chaf'cl him, ceaseless, o'er and o'er> 

Persisting in the earnest, varied strife, 

To re-enkindle the faint spark of Life. 

Nor vainly strove — for now with Joy he view'd 

480 The lungs slow heaving, and the source of Blood* 
With wonted stimulus again impell'd, 
Its labour re-assume. Each Art'ry swell'd 
By the pulsating impetus, he saw. 
Obedient to the sympathetic Law, 
The sluggish Fluid, in succession urge, 
Thro' devious windings, to their utmost verge: 
Reflecting thence in centripetal course. 
Revivified, return it to its Source. ^ 
Quick, and more quick, the Respiration grew, 

490 The Blood, more forceful, round its mazes flew; 
Sensation, and Re-action, Motion, Thought, 
And Life, at length, to full perfection brought: 
Surprize extatic fiU'd the noble b east 
Of John, when lo! Eugenius lay confess'd. 
His azure Eyes their yielding curtains drew. 
And soon his glad Deliv'ier met his view. 

Aft from long sleep awaking, he enquir'd, 
"What caus'd the Pains he felt? And much admirM, 
How there he came — Why naked he should be? 

500 And begg'd his Friend to solve llie Mystery. 
This, with his wonted suavity of tone. 
And well advised brevity, was done. 
The dormant Mem'ry, now resum'd its place, 
And each past circunistduce could clearly trace. 
His heart, with awful Gratitude o'erjiow'd. 
And pour'd its huiuble Tribute to nis God ! 
The kind domestic, too, now doubly dear, 
Receiv'd his warmest '1 hanks; and the big Tear 
Of purest Rapture, started from the Eye 

510 Of John, while he embrac'd his 'own dear Boj!^ 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 27 

Phceius had now with cooler, oblique ray, 
Announced to Nature the declining Day; 
The Choristers of Air all sought repose, 
Whisp'ring their vespers at its silent close: 
When young Eugenius, by his Friend's advice 
And aid. was reinvested in a trice: 
Mounted on ready steed, they hasted home, 
Anticipating much of Joy to come. 
Safely arriv'd. Eugenius slowly enter'd, 

520 Where <^v'ry object dear to him was centred. 
John followed, and his stand at distance took. 
Watching his fav'rite with a mingled look 
Of pure Benignity and Exultation, 
Tempered with due observance of his Station. 

The family were now set down, to taste 
Of fragrant Hyson the serene repast; 
The Sire, with true devotion in his Face, 
And heart, had just concluded 'saying Grace;' 
(For he, tho' neither Priest nor Pharisee, 

530 Had still the common Sense of Deity, 
By Infidel Torpedo unimpaired; 
And with a grateful Soul,Heav'n's Blessings shar'd* 

The mild reproof Engenius did not miss. 
For his long absence: but a Mother's kiss 
Remov'd at once all apprehensive fear, 
And to the welcome board he drew his Chair. 
Th' observant Master, who iu John had seen 
Somewhat of Mystery, in look and mien ; 
Now thus address'd him: " Well ! my honest lad, 

540 ' What luck to day, in fishing, have you had .P' 
< Faith, Master, I have caught but one, (said he) 

* And that 's a noble one, as soon you '11 see; 

* A deal of pains and trouble too it cost, 

'And much I fear'd, l should e'en that have lost. 
'^ Ami tho' 1 claim it all, yet in despite 
^ Of all my claim, to you I yield the Right: 
^ For truly it was your's before 1 caught it; 
^ iSo fresh and sound, thank God ! to you I 've 
brouo;ht it.' 



08 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

« Pray, what are we to learn from all you've said ? 
550 'Produce it. Man — or tell us where His laid ! 
' Why. Master, dear, 'tis there anent the Table, 
(Said John) 'I'm telling you no cunning Fable! 

Thus having rais'd their gen'rai expectation 
He gave, from first to last, tiie whole narration. 
Coutiruiing looks and tears Eugenius gave, 
While to that BKING, who hath Pow'r to save, 
His humble Praise went forth. Yet mucli, he knew, 
Was to the genVous John most fairly due: 
And blushing, begg'd his Father might reward 
560 The deed, with special favour and regard. 

A silent Pause ensued — when, at the word 
Of venerated Sire, with one accord. 
The happy Family, on bended knee, 
Approach'd, in Pray'er and Praise, the UEITY. 

Let, Pleasure's Sons, contemptuous, gmiie at this I 
Prav'rless, their abject souls know nought of purest 
■'Bliss. 

Some Years of Pleasure, not unmix'd with Pain, 
Had gone their rounds, ne'er to revolve again ! 
W hen our young hero's Sire, now weary grown 

570 Of Pomp, exchang'd his residence iH Town, 
For stiller life, where, ' in alternate Ease 
' And Labour,' he his rural Taste might please. 
Much had be been employ'd, in various ways, 
In duties arduous; and his choicest days, 
To his lov'd Country were devoted all. 
In prompt obedience to his Country's call. 

A time-worn Mansion was his humble choice, 
Remote from pageantry and empty noise. 
A few well cultur'd Acres of rich ground, 

580 Did the romantic Edifice surround. ^. 

A stream of purest Water, at the Door, 
Thro' conduits from a distant Fount, did pour 
Its ceaseless bounty, which the wants supplied 
Of Man, and beast, and fovvlj and serv'd beside, 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. S9 

By well-directed channels from a Ditch, 
The Mead, and neighb'ring Garden, to enrich, 
Well-stock'd with various Fruits, an Orchard too, 
With pendantbouohs, here stood, to charm the view. 
And tempt the palate. There, a spring-house cool, 

590 Of Milk, and Butter, and etcet'ras, full ; 

Beneath a spreading Weeping Willow stood, 
And in return for shade, its Roots supplied with 
Food. 
Here, when at leisure from Forensic Care, 
He hop'd, within his Family, to share 
The sweets of calm Retirement, where the Mind, 
In Joys domestic, might true solace find. 
No cultur'd Neighbour, now, with kindred Soul, 
His converse daily shar'd, or social Bowl ; 
The honest German, whose untutor'd breast, 

600 No wish beyond his fertile Grounds possess'd. 
Here dwelt, unenvious of the pamper'd Great: 
His all of life entomb'd in his Estate. 
Yet neither ennui nor discontent, 
The Sire assail'd. His placid hours were spent. 
In wholesome Toil; or whiles, reclin'd at ease, 
The moral Tale, or fav'rite Book, would please; 
Or home-made Music's soft enchanting notes. 
From well -strung Instruments, and vvell-tun'd 

Thr(?;its: 
For, Wife and Daughters could the Spinnet play, 

filO And with symphonious Voices tune the lay: 
Eugenius too, with voice and Fiddlestring, 
The Ccmcert join'd, and knew to play and sing. 
In Joys like. these, their tranquil hours would 
pass, 
Enliven'd sometimes by the temp'rate Glass 
Of sparkling Cider, or the costly juice 
Of Grape, or Currant for more common use. 
Nor liv'd th«y to themselves: Their welcome Doo? 
Was ever open to the sick and poor; 
Dispensing Raiment, Medicine, and Food, 

5^0 They '• learn'd the Luxury of doing Good." 
D2 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 
BOOK III. 



Ere long, their City Friends, both false and true, 
In crowds came forth, their calm Retreat to view. 
For Health or Curiosity came some, 
Others — because they could not stay at Home: 
Some, for good Living oft their visits paid 5 
And some a courting came, as rumor said. 
A few staunch Friends with purest motives came, 
"Who, fair or foul, prov'd worthy of the name. 
And tho' Economy her prudent brow 
630 Would sometimes bend, and rather restive grow ; 
Yet, in behalf of all. Dame Courtesy 
Most feelingly oppos'd her gentle plea: 
So that, however low the Host's finances, 
Civility compell'd him, at all chances. 
Rather to scrape the bottom of his Coffer, 
Than what might seem an Insult e'er to offer. 

This short digression made, we now pursue 
The Thread of our discourse, and bring to view 
The subject of our Story. He. meanwhile, 

640 At leisure»times, would oft his hours beguile. 
In visiting among his German neighbours, 
Learning their Language, joining in their Labours; 
And at their various Sports was oftimes seen; 
And many a FaH he got, upon the Green, 
In wrestling, leaping, running, corner-ball, 
Till good proficiency he made in all. 
The rosy Lasses, too. he'd sometimes prance with, 
And at the FAIR, would condescend to dance with. 
But, tho' these toils and sports improv'd his body, 

650 Yet did they blunt his Appetite for Study. 
This, with sincere concern, his Parents saw, 
And tried allurements, his young mind to draw 
Back, to its wonted Exercise ; but Books 
Where now encounter'd with unpleasant looks. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. SI 

Here would the Bard a word of Counsel give. 
Which he entreats his readers to receive: 
Do ye desire your Offspring should improve? 
From School be cautious how you these remove. 
Except for a short season, lest the Mind, 

660 Too long drawn off, to trifling be inclin'd: 
For many a Germ of Genius has been lost, 
Or on Life's fluctuating Billows toss'd, 
Unheeded; which, if suffer'd to take Root, 
In Wisdom's Soil, had yielded precious Fruit 1 
Convinc'd of Error in this very case. 
His Parents sent him to his former place; 
Where, without hindrance, he might re-assume 
His studious Habits, for the time to come. 

Short time elaps'd ere Learning's sweets he 
tasted, 

670 In Classic lore engag'd no moments wasted; 
But daily more attach 'd to the lov'd spot. 
His late Husticity he soon forgot. 
And long had he these golden days enjoy'd. 
But for one weighty Cause, which now destroyed 
His usual Peace: A M<)ther, dearly lov'd, 
Lay ill of Fever, which soon mortal prov'dj 
And though no tidings of her real state 
Had reach'd him, yet the Bard shall here relate, 
How. by a sympathetic Sense inform'd, 

680 The youth's well grounded fears were first alarm'd: 
'Tvvas Summer. He had taken up his Book 
For School which then was calPd at six o'clock; 
When, in an instant, an appaling Thought, 
Across his unsuspecting Mind was brought, 
And vihich he promptly to his Aunt express'd: 
That now, by Death's cold hand, his Mother lay 

oppress'd I 
In vain by Argument she kindly strove, 
The superstitious Notion to remove: 
Th' impression still indelible remain'd; 

690 And having full permission first obtained, 



$2 ESSAYS AT POETRYe 

He tarried not for breakfast, but with speed 
His journey took, lest he should find her dead. 
Ten Miles he traveled ere he reach'd his home, 
Then, trembling, sought his sainted Mother's 

room; 
And just in time he came, for, as he fear'd, 
Her Spirit for its flight was now prepar'd. 

Here, 'midst the Mourners, round her Bed, he 
stood 
In silent grief. The num'rous filial brood 
Bent o-er the faintly animated Clay, 

TOO Who, in an Husbar-id's arms supported, lay. 
The Servants, there, with agonizing Sighs, 
And tears responsive from their streaming eyes; 
Watch'd her weak struggles for departing: breath, 
And hopeless, waited the last, awful pause, of 
Death ! 
Now to her Efforts a short respite came, 
And, like th' exhiusted Lamp's expiring Flame j 
Which, in its lambent — trembling — vivid strife, 
Drains to the dregs the pabulum of Life : 
Her Soul, emerging from the dreary shade 

no Of hov'ring Death, o'er her pale visage play'd. 
Tho' mute and motionless was now that Tongue, 
Which oft. mellifluous, Heav'n's high Praises sung; 
Yet, with new brightness, her dark Eye illum'd, 
A momentary energy resum'd. 
Full, on heranguish'd Partner, for a while 
She look'd all Love ! and gave a parting smile: 
Then, in succession, on her Children cast 
Maternal beams — prophetic of her last. 
But most. Eugenius seem'd her ej^e to stay, 

7£0 As if reluctant to be torn away 

From one, whose after life did much engage 
Her dying thoughts, as with a sad presage. 

The Servants, next, the glajice of Love receiv'd J 
Then, from the lifeless tenement reliev'd, 
Th' unshackled spirit, mounting, wing'd its way 
To Realms congenial, in unceasing Day! 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. S3 

Ah! who by sad Experience untaug;ht, 
Can realize, in sympathetic Thought^ 
The dreary — aching— void, which now was left, 
730 In the domestic Circle, thus bereft! 

They only who have felt, can know the j^ioom. 
Their souls o'erspreadinji;, when the gaping Tombj 
Relentless, clos'd forever on that Form, 
Doom'd to Corruption, and the nauseous Worm. 

Two Years had now their mellowing influence 
shed. 
Since youn^ Kugenius mourn'd a Mother dead; 
Years, that in scenes of varied rural life. 
RolI'd on, uniTsindful of the wayward strife, 
'Twixt good and ill, which oft the heedless yoiitli 

r40 Maintain'd. in wand'ring from the Path of Truth. 
Yet did he. whiles, in social converse, share 
His Father's Friendship, mitigate Ids care ; 
Alleviate the stress of widow'd Woes, 
That prey'd upon his life, and wrought its earlv 
close. 
And now, prepar'd for College, he once more 
His home for??ook, in Academic lore 
To renovate his Mind, too long relax'd. 
By toil corporeal, and by cares perplex'd. 
Mounted on fav'rite steed, in trav'ling trim, 

750 His heart, at parting, fill'd unto the brim ; 
And having a tried Servant at command too, 
On sturdy Nag, to carry the Portumnteau: 
(Not his friend John, who by this time had prov'd 
Connubial Joys, with one whom long he lov'd; 
And, with his Master's blessing, had retir'd 
From service, to a Tenement he hir'd; 
Where i'rugal industry his wishes crown'd, 
And care, and weariness, in Love were drown'd,) 
Accoutred thus, their journey they commenc'd, 

760 And soon with haughty Forms the youth dispens'd: 
For though the Servant, to his station us'dj 
At firstj familiarity refus'dj 



C4 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

And chose respectfully to trot behind: 
Yet did Eugenius. in accents kind. 
Insist upon his riding along-side him. 
Whatever consequences might betide him. 

Without more incident than folks in common, 
When traveling, meet with (neither man nor wo- 
man, 
Our Knight and 'Squire attempting to molest) 

rrO Two days ^ley rode, ere they took up their rest. 
In Cumberlard's fair Capital, where Knowledge 
Its seat then held, at Dickinsonian College. 
Then were the golden days of Science known, 
And from that Alma Mater many a Son, 
In purest Classics, and sound Ethics taught, 
Went forth, with richest, noblest Treasure fraught^- 
To bless their Country: For a Nesbit then 
Presided, one of Scotia's choicest men. 

Here, friendless and unknown, except by Letters 

780 Commendatory, to his learned betters; 
And to simie influential Men in town. 
Our country-looking hero sat him down. 
And, soon as might be, enter'd up his name, 
As candidate for literary Fanie. 
Kow tho' in Latin tolerably vers'd, 
Nor ignorant of Greek, he'd ne'er rehears'd^ 
Nor look'd into a Lesson while at home : 
So rather unprepar'd the lad had come. 
But. trusting to his Memory, he went, 

rDO Obedient to a message that was sent, ' 

From the shrewd Principal, with trepidation, 
To stand the usual Examination. 

At the appointed hour, and wonted place, 
Master and Candidate met, face to face : 
Somewhat abash'd and aukvvard was the latter, 
Who well perceiv'd it was no trifling matter. 
Enquiry made — where he'd left off* at School? 
He answer'd ; and pursuant to the Rule, 
Was told to construe where he last had read, 

800 This, with apparent boldness, he essayM : 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 55 

But, whether by fatality or no, 

He open'd on a Speech of Cicero. 

Just at the Threshold stood S. P. Q. R. 

A host of Capitals, which made him stare, 

As much, as if what those Initials stood for 

Had met his view. — * Why what 's the ninny gudf* 

for! 
<Canna ye mak' the meanin oot at a'? 
' Hoot mon ! ye canna fin' it on the Wa!' 
Thus spake the Principal, whose keen black eye, 
810 O'erhung by pond'rous brow, could well espy 
The lad's confusion ; but he soon reliev'd him, 
From the said puzzler which had so much griev'd 

him. 
Then humbly thanking the facetious Scot, 
For kindly solving this quadruple knot; 
Eugenius caught the thread, and follow'd 00, 
Till o'er th' appointed portion he had gone. 
Thro' various other Exercises led, 
^20 Reviving what lay dormant in his head; 
With honour he the tedious trial passed. 
And by just Sentence, with his Peers was class'd- 

Tll boots it, each punctilio to narrate, 
Of his adventures, in this happy state. 
Here, tho' dear Home full oft his thoughts employ'd. 
And present bliss was by the past alloy 'd ; 
Yet here content, with books, and sports, and love— ■ 
Pure — such as chaste Amelia did approve ; 
Pleas'd in himself, and studious all to please, 
B30 In calm succession roll'd the halcyon days. 

But days like these were doom'd not long to lasf^ 
The Sky serene was soon v.ith Clouds o'ercast. 
It chanc'd, one stormy, rainy, winter night, 
That gay Eugenius, in discretion's spite, 
Had danc'd with some spruce Lasses at a quiltingj 
Till weary, and with perspiration melting; 
And thus, without his hat, escorted home, 
One who to the said quilting-match had come. 



36 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Thn' short the distance — saj a square, or morCj 
850 And he'd conducted her but to the door, 
And hastily returned ; yet did tlie wight 
Pay dearly for his Frolic that same night: 
For ev'n before he had retir'd to bed, 
Pains most acute attack'd his side and head, 
But chief the former, which soon prov'd to be 
A most inflammatory Pleuresy: 
And well nigh fatal, but that Nature prov'd 
Omiiij)otent. and threat'ning Death remov'd. 
Not that the Bard contemns the Healing Art — 
850 No — This, if rightly practis'd, with a heart 
Of pure Benevolence, from Av'rice freed, 
Merits of public Gratitude the Meed, 
And generous Remuneration too, 
Both which, are oft withheld, when justly due. 

Now, poor Eugenius, whate'er his danger. 
Or v^'hitt his Funds might be, was still a Stranger,. 
And therefore his Physician — prudent Creature! 
In whom Compassion was no striking Feature; 
Concluding he might gain but little pelf, 
$60 Left Nature, pretty much, to help herself, 
And bear up under the distress and havock 
Of f(^ll Disease. But Noland and M'Gavock, 
Class-mates, whose names were to Eugenius dear, 
With true Virginian sympathy stood near. 
Each, in his turn, assiduous, vvatch'd his bed. 
Till thro' two tedious weeks of suff'ring led; 
With trium;ih they beheld the vanquish'd Foe, 
And felt — what none but souls like theirs can kno^! 

In reasonable time, his strength renew'd, 
SrO His wonted Studies now the youth pursued. 
Tha dormant zest reviv'd for all those sports*"— 
Athletic, am'rous — and of various sorts. 
In whic h. at first, he had relax'd his mind. 
Till now, within Morality confin'd ; 
But, losing sight of Wisdom and of Prudence, 
lie join'd with a few Libertines of Students, 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 3? 

And soon a brother free-thinker became, 
Proving himself right worthy of the name. 
With subtlest wiles, from less to more they strovej 
From truth's firm basis his young mind to move| 
The Sacred Volume sceptically jeer'd, 
880 Denied that God whom secretly they fear'd; 
Laugh'd at the doctrine of a future state. 
Or sunk into the chaos of blind Fate ! 
Their motto, this: ' Let's drown all care and sorrow, 
*In wine and mirth VVe die like brutes, to- 



morrow 
e 
Give 



Degraded sensualist! Thy kindred swine 
ive but thy speech: His motto will be thine ! 



Now dash'd our youth at cards and pettj 
dances, 
Till he perceiv'd an ebb in his finances. 
But fearing to alarm his prudent father, 
S90 He wrote not for remittances — but rather 
Drew on a voluntary banker there 
For cash, and sundry articles of wear: 
Not doubting that his father would be wilHngg 
To reimburse him ev'ry pound and shilling | 
But reckon'd in the case without his host. 
And found, at length, his error, to his cost. 
For the kind parent had at all times sent him. 
As much for real use as might content him; 
Besides all this, had generously granted 

900 A fund for extras, when they should be wanteda 
This, wisely, was not left in iiis possession. 
But with a friend intrusted, whose discretion, 
Uninfluenc'd by th' impetuous youth's command^ 
Dealt out with cautious and experienc'd hand. 
This our young gentleman could illy brook. 
And the suppos'd restraint in dudgeon took; 
So, trusting to his father's credit, went 
To his new banker; who was well content 
His wants to satisfy, however craving, 

9tO And these were nimi'rousj for the art of savings 
E 



JSB ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

Or making his habitual wants but few, 
Was one which spruce Eugenius little knew. 

Thrice happy art! which they who practise, find 
•T' insure true peace, and dignity of mind. 
For, "in the abundance which a man possessetU 
Consists not life." Grateful contentment blesseth. 
Kor by privation of all earthly store. 
Is the true son of wisdom render'd poor. 
He knows that solid and substantial wealth, 

9:20 Proof against time, or accident, or stealth, 
Must, in its nature, lie beyond controul 
iW thin<rs terrestrial — deep within the soul. 
His daily task perform'd, and pittance giv'n, 
In meek dependence on a bounteous Heav'n, 
His prayer; ** Oh give me not superfluous store! 
«^ Give what thou canst — without thee, I am poor, 
** And with thee, (can thy grateful suppliant say) 
<« With thee abound — take what thou wilt away!*- 
Not so Eugenius, whose best hours of life, 

J330 Were spent in scenes of folly or of strife ; 
Not that he sought contention, but his skill 
In various exercises, gain'd ill will. 
And of a truth, tho' not yet seventeen. 
He could with ease surpass ev'n active men, 
Who in gymnastic feats own'd no superior, 
And deem'd our youth, in all things, their inferior, 
It chanc'd, one pleasant ev'ning. after lecture, 
That he was banter'd by a jumping hector; 
Who seldom challeng'd to a leaping feat, 

940 Unless he thought his rival could be beat. 
Eugenius, tho' a short and thickset wight, 
And no comparison in age or height; 
Yet felt himself unwilling to be banter'd 
Without a cause, therefore a trial ventur'd. 
The ground niark'd otf, and umpires duly chosen, 
They doft'd their coats, and eke their shoes and 

hosen ; 
And set to work, each with ambition fir'd^ 
Till in the contest each was fairly tir'd ; 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. S9 

But not till our young hero prov'rl himself 

950 All overmatch for the conceited elf; 

And pleas'd, tho' not insulting, bore the prize, 
From his antagonist, whose downcast eyes, 
And sullen look of ranc'rous discontent, 
Evinc'd th' ignoble purpose t(» resent, 
On his despised rival, this disgrace, 
But at a more convenient time and place. 
. Nor long had he his purpose to delay, 
For meeting with his object the next day; 
He pick'd a quarrel for a trifling cause, 

960 And threaten'd sore, to smack the stripling's jaws* 
Eugenius, knowing he had nothing done 
To merit insult, felt his warm blood run 
With more than usual impetus and heat; 
Nor had a wish, from danger to retreat : 
But bade him smack away, if he design'd it, 
And if he doubted courage — he should find it. 
No sooner said than done. The ungen'rous foe. 
Dealt him, with little complaisance, a blow, 
Which caus'd his ruddy face somewhat to burn, 

OrO And call'd forth something gen'rous in return, 
So, for his one, Eugenius paid him twenty, 
And would have heap'd upon him quite a plenty; 
3iut that the Principal now hove in sight, 
And forc'd the rivals to suspend the fight. 

The lecture o'er, some mutt'ring threats were 
heard. 
Of vengeance, which Eugenius little fear'd ; 
But stood preparM for. about half an hour. 
Willing to try his foe's vi.ulictive pow'r. 
Finding, however, to his satisfaction, 

:jSO That threats had not yet ripen'd into action ; 
He sought his horue, in hope that all was over, 
Drank tea, and strutted forth to play the lover i 
But soon by his antagonist was met, 
Who not appearing satisfied as yet; 
Swore that he 'd been ungentlemanly treated, 
lii language too, that need not be repeated; 



40 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Requiring from him, without hesitation. 
Of his late conduct further explanation : 
And, as his anger did not want for fuel, 
990 Demanded satisfaction in a duel ! 

Eugenius calmly to his foe replied : 
<' I thought you had been fairly satisfied ; 
^* I feel no rancour lodging in my breast, 
" And own I 'd rather let the matter rest : 
^*The first aggression by yourself was made, 
" And I assure you, I am fully paid. 
*' Your present murd'rous offer I decline, 
" Preserve your life, 1 'm not yet tir'd of mine. 
" Boast of your honour — prove it if you can, 
iOOO " I shall not therefore call you. Gentleman. 
'* In truth I ne'er had cause to think you so; 
" And wherefore should I change opinions now? 
^* Yet, if nought else than fighting can me save, 
*^ I '11 try once more, the arms that nature gave : 
*« And if these fail to satisfy — why then, 
^' You'll find me not afraid of Gentlemen. 
^' Choose your own friend, appoint the- place and 
, time, 
<« I shall take care to meet you there with mine." 

Arrangements made, the youth his course pur- 
sued, 
1010 And left the enemy to chew his cud. 

My readers now, impatient of delay, 
Their Bard, obsequious, just takes time to say, 
That having met, Eugenius press'd so hard on 
His rival, that he humbly sued for pardon. 
'Twas promptly granted, and they parted — 

friends ! 
So here one narrative of folly ends. 

From passions unrestrain'd what woes proceed 1 
What countless thousands have for trifles bled! 
Hail ! bless'd philanthropy ! offspring of Heav'n, 
1020 To wayward man, thro' thee, Emanuel ^iv^a» 



ESSAYS AT POETRY, 41 

At thy mysterious incarnation, sing 
Light's first born sons. With thy high praises ringj 
The vast, the boundless, vivified domains, 
Where'er the Logos in perfection reigns ! 
Oh ! by Thy sacred influence transform 
Our brsital nature, and our bosoms warm 
With love to Thee ! Our jarring passions calm^ 
Heal our dissentions by thy potent balm ; 
m Grant us the pow'r, those lusts to sacrifice, 
1030 Whence wars proceed, and in Thy glory rise. 
Conformed in all things to Thy gracious planj 
Ot' peace on earth, and love of man, to man I 



E2 



43 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

BOOK IV. 



Vacation, long expected, now was come. 
And each alumnus set his face for home. 
Eugenius, with a mind not well at ease, 
And doubting lest his conduct might not pleas^ 
When strict investigation should be made ; 
His journey homeward some short time delayM, 
But finding urgent reasons for departing, 

1040 In earnest he began to think of starting; 

And coin'd, meanwhile, some plausible pretenceSj 
For some of his extravagant expenses. 
Poor simpleton ! this caution was but nonsense, 
And why.^ Because he could not coin a conscience^ 
Besides, his father had more wit, by half. 
Than to be caught with unsubstantial chaff; 
And knew too well the wiliness of youth, 
To take the counterfeit for sterling truth. 
But thus it is ; just as we sacrifice 

1050 At pleasure's shrine, so genuine virtue dies» 

Now, having taken passage in the stage, 
The thoughts of home his busy mind engage. 
To clasp his sire within his warm embrace, 
To view once more each consanguineous facei 
The servants' hearty welcome to receive, 
E'en trusty Tray's affection to revive — 
Were themes on which his mind with rapture 

dwelt. 
And bounding heart with warm emotions felt; 
But, ever and anon, to damp his joy, 
1060 Conscience, unask'd, obtruded some alloy: 
For well he knew how much he had betray'd 
His father's confidence ; what inroads made 
On his desir'd tranquillity, whose care 
Impartial, 'twas his privilege to share; 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 4S 

And deeply realiz'd the void within, 

Of wonted peace — sure consequence of sin! 

At length arriv\i, the yielding gate he trieSj 
And thro' the window the lov'd group espies. 
O'er the wide court-yard to the parlour hasteSp 

1070 And mutual kindred joy imparts and tastes. 
The kitchen next with eager steps he seeks, 
# Where welcome each domestic's face bespeaks ; 
While the old housedog, recognizing, fawns. 
Frisks r»)und, and grins delight, and licks his 
hands. 
O'er garden, orchard, mead, and cultur'd 
grounds, 
Eugenius next, with nimble footsteps, bounds s 
Nq^vy each delightful haunt he reconnoitres. 
Now 'neath the vine-entangled arbour loiters; 
With busy mem'ry, who, with magic art, 

S.080 Marshals her phantasms round his captive heart« 
Sated and weary, to the house he turns, 
And with remorse his recent folly mourns ; 
Expecting soon the scrutiny to stand, 
To answer each enquiry and demand ; 
What progress at the college he had made ? 
What sums, for necessaries, he had paid — 
How he his leisure hours had spent— and where«« 
What choice of company he made while there? 
With more to the same purport — all to prove 

2090 The youth's fidelity, and filial love. 

These, by his father, in due time propos'd^ 
Were by S^^ugenius faithfully disclos'd; 
But how with blushes was his face suffus'd. 
When bills of various items were produc'd^ 
All which, to the account of folly plac'd, 
His sire offended, and himself disgrac'd. 
Long too he sufter'd, after full confession. 
Ere he regain^l the unreserv'd possession 
Of confidence paternal—sacred treasure! 

ilOO Thus basely forfeited by lawless pleasure^ 



44 ESSAYS AT POETRY* 

But time, a mantle for his failings wovfij 
Of Lethean filling, in a chain of love. 
Incomparable artist! taught by thee, 
How man approximates the Deity ! 

EuGENius, ere vacation term was ended, 
Found all the breaches comfortably mended; 
And all his wants pecuniary supplied, 
Once more his promis'd resolution tried : » 
Attended in due state by his old croney, 

1110 Each mounted on his former nag and pony. 

Now, tho' the reader scarce will think it trucj 
The honest Bard must bring an act to view, 
Which maugred all resolve and fair confession, 
And prov'd Eugenius — • ablins nae tentation.' 
For just as they had reach'd about midway, 
Ithappen'd to be. what is call'd, Fair-d?iy; 
When coufttry folk in annual concourse run, 
To traffic, or to spe^id the time — in fun: 
And all the town, except a few wiseacres, 

^120 Are buying vanities, and cutting capers. 

So the young student, and his hopeful servant. 
Who of sue h holidays was too observant. 
Concluded to lie by, a day or so, 
And do — as they saw other people do. 
Eugenius, having casli at his command, 
Dash'd to an«i fro with an unsparing hand 5 
Meanwhile the servant. Harry, was not slack 
To husband time, ere master sent him back. 
Encourag'd by example, and the rhino, 

also J^iinc choreis — nunc scortULlaque vino; 
Enjoy M the feast of folly and of crime, 
And left reflection to a future time. 

But ah! Retiection, tho' it follow late, 
O'ertakes eacii heedless spendthrift— sure as fate! 
Todaj^he revels — may escape to-morrow; 
But he who sows in ^in, must reap in sorrow. 
The day approaches, when the madd'ning thought 
4}J judgment, with the blackest horror fraught, 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 45 

Shall turn to wormwood the Circean bowl ; 

: 140 His peace disturb— and harrow up his soul ! 
Rejoice, thou libertine, in this thy day, 
Give to thine appetite unbounded sway; 
Satiate thy heart with all that lust desires. 
Delight thine eyes with all that pride admires; 
Dance, uncontrol'd, thine epicurean round, 
To musiv's soft, entrancing, dulcet sound; 
Let beauteous woman lavish all her char:ns 
On thee, and languish in thy raptur'd arms: 
Yet shall the faithful witness for the LORD 

1150 Reprove thee, by the thunder of his word ; 

Thy darkness by his lightning re-iilunie — ^ 

Press on thy vision, scenes of wo to come ! 

Now, two whole days in dissipation lost. 
All scores being paid, the piper and the host; 
With aching head and heart, he mounted horscj 
And, Harry by his side, resum'd his course. 
Much did they think, but little spake, the while; 
Till in the ev'ning late, they reach'd Carlisle : 
Where our Eugenius found a number waiting 
1160 To. bid him welcome, and enjoy a chatting. 
Of friends, by some call'd duns, there were 

enough. 
Anxious^ enquiring for the shining stuff. 
Which should erase his mem'ry from their books— 
And this they evidenc'd by ea^er looks; 
Not doubting that he M brought a full supply, 
WHierewith to satisfy them by and bye. 

Aud so he did — from home — but at the fair, 
Had leak'd out more, by half, than he could spare! 
This now he realiz'd, with heart-felt pain — 
iirO But gently put them off. with — * call again.' — 

Impatie^it grown, and fearing something wrong; 
(To save a repetition of the song) 
They plainly told him, that another day 
Was all, they 'd grant him, their demands to paj^ 



46 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

And, in default, they had made up their mind, 

By law, to try the full amount to find. 

This rous'd Eugenius' fears, who sought his 

banker, 
Gain'd a new loan, by telling him — a spanker! 
Back'd by fair promises of — what he knew, 

1180 'Tvvere little less than miracle to do. 

This servM the present ferment to allay, 
And give a respite till a future day: 
But — as this future day was sure to come, 
The dernier resort was, writing home, 
And. bv pret^^nce of iium'rous things extra, 
Till then unknown, a fresh supply to draw. 
His letter written, lest it should miscarry, 
He gave it in strict charge to hopeful Harry; 
Whom, with the horses, he M too long detain'd, 

1190 From home, and for excuse had sickness feign'd. 
And, lest his plan should suffer a defeat, 
Had bribM him well, to carry on the cheat. 
This (lone — the servant in post-haste return'd. 
And sad Eugenius at his leisure mourn'd. 

Thus hath the Bard prod uc 'da finish'd sample 
Of gross misconduct: not as an example' 
For imitation, but that thoughtless youth 
May read, and blush to deviate from truth! 
May ev'ry cobweb covering despise, 

1200 And scorn the baseless subterfu^ie of lies. 
Folly, tho' fair and specious be its fruit, 
Yet shame and mis'ry rankle at the root. 
All, like Eugenius, this event have found, 
\Vho>e devious feet had press'd forbiihlen ground. 
Dying, or penitent, their language, this: 
^* The path of wisdom, is the path of bliss I" 

The morn had now the busy world illum'd, 
When academic studies were resum'd; 
And at the hour, Eugenius sought the college, 
1310 Where numbers flockM again, to drink in know- 
ledge : 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 47 

But oft his mind, in restless mood would roam, 
"Wide from his studies, 'midst the scenes of home. 
Most for his venerable sire he griev'd, 
By acts of studied baseness twice deceiv'd; 
And oft the retrospect would wound him sore, 
And wring the promise, that he 'd sin no more ; 
For tho' by pleasure's syren voice seduc'd, 
Th' infatuate youth his better sense abus'dj 
Yet oft, reproving truth's convictive word, 
1220 (Swift messenger of Heav'n) Eugenius heard. 

Then, with the blush of shame, and tear of sorrow. 
Would he resolve to mend his way — to-morrow— 
But ever, as the promis'd morrow came, 
< Resolv'd, and re-resolv'd'— and liv'd the same. 

Things thus went on, nor likely to be better^ 
Till he receiv'd the long-expected letter, 
In answer to the one, by Harry sent ; 
But found, alas! no cash contain'd within 't. 
In lieu, he found a mixture of reproof 

1230 And counsel, more than he then thought enough j 
With positive refusal e'er to pay 
His debts of honour to his latest day: 
Refusal irreversible — he knew ! 
So deeply pond'ring what 'twere best to do; 
Concluded, on his creditors to call, 
And without hesitation, tell them — all, 
And, tho' a minor, faithfully engage 
To pay them, soon as he arriv'd at age. 
These, knowing it their interest to agree, 

1240 E'en made a virtue of necessity: 

And he, as in the sequel we record, 

Not only kept — but more than kept — his word. 

This done, with heart elate he sought his roouij 
"Where his lov'd Violin dispers'd what gloom 
Yet thinly vapour'd o'er his flexile mind ; 
And, in a song, gave sorrow to the wind J 



48 ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

BOOK V. 



Time, now, on gilded plumage wingVl his fiiglit. 
And objects to his view again were bright: 
Save that, at intervals, a transient shade 
1250 His sky obscur'd, and secret fears betray'd. 
Still, from his sports and studies, ever new. 
Our alchemist some sweet elixir drew, 
*Gaiiist adverse gales, bis mind to fortify. 
Tho' fickle fortune frown'd, his pulse beat high 
With hope, that other days might change his lot. 
!Nor vv^ere his studies in his sports forgot : 
Anxious he stretch'd toward the wish'd-for goa!. 
With all the vigour of an, ardent soul; 
In glad anticipation hail'd the day, 
1260 Wnett a diploma he should bear away ; 
And to his doubting sire delighted prove, 
His claim, in some degree, to reconciled love. 
But ah! these blissful visions soon were o'er^ 
For now, as oft had been his lot before ; 
Events quite unforeseen recalPd Kim home, 
And marr^l his prospects for the time to come 1 

Disease, his father's mansion had assail'd, 
And with unwonted violence prevaiTd. 
(The country round, its baneful influence shard.: 
1270 Without respect of persons : none were spar'd* 
Who breath'd the miasmatic atmosphere :) 
But he, who was the bond of union there, 
Was now, to cares judicial, call'd away, 
Nor was expected till a distant day. 

Eugenius sad intelligence receiv'd, 
And, tho' his studies to suspend, he griev'd; 
Yet could he not a needless moment waste, 
But hurried home, to succour the distress'd. 
And not more welcome to the thirsty hart, 
1£80 Bv hounds pursu'd^ and writhing with the smart 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 4D 

Of archer's weapon — is the cooling stream ; 
Or, to the lover, the Eljsian dream, 
Than was Eugenius. But why time employ^ 
Or readers weary, to describe the joy, 
Which lighted up each pallid kindred face^ 
In momertary hectic, when the embrace 
Of love fraternal, in succession, pass'd, 
Warm, and more warm, as he approach'd the last I 
E'en could the Bard command a Cowper's pen, 

1£90 With his angelic muse inspir'd— what then ? 
He, in whose soul emotions human live. 
Can, without these, the native col'ring give ; 
Which, to the solitary stoic breast. 
Were * pearls to swine' — or labour lost at best. 

Here, with assiduous tenderness, his hours 
Were all devoted, save when nature's pow'rs. 
By daily care, and nightly vigils tir'd. 
Or aliment or '-balmy sleep," requir'd. 
Nor vain his anxious hopes and efforts prov'dj 

1300 Amaz'd, he saw the kindred whom he lov'dj 
By arm Omnipotent to health restor'd ; 
And with warm gratitude that God ador'd. 
Who wounds and heals, who 'bringeth to the 

grave.' 
And whose prerogative it is — to save ! 

Now was Eugenius, in his turn, to bow 
Beneath the spreading epideoiic's blowo 
Erewhile, solicitude for others' weal 
Had kept disease at bay, like coat of steel : 
But — tliis remov'd — the prey defenceless stood^ 

3:310 And sick'ning. trembled as the foe pursu'd. 
A wint'ry earthquake follow'd in the train, 
Which, with relentless fury, shook his frame | 
Next, to delirium urg'd, solstitial heat 
Or parch'd with thirst — or delug'd him with sweats 
Then, leaving him his sad estate to mourn^ 
Prepar'd their forces for a fresh return. 

Successive visits, on alternate days, 
For two whole weeks, the fierce destroyer pays ^ 
F 



50 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Till youthful stamina, with aid of art, 
1320 Compel the hideous daemon to depart. 
Nature, enfeebled by the tedious strife, 
Gradual returns to renovated life ; 
And, health and wonted energies renew'd, 
In silent praise he own'd the Sov'reign God, 
"Whose gracious Will ensures us length of day» : 
And all whose works demand his creature's 
praise. 
Ah ! what true bliss, ingratitude foregoes ! 
The independent mind but little knows 
Of pure delight — who sees not God in all 
1330 The chastisements, which fro ward man befal. 
Prone, by inheritance, to leave the way, 
By Providence assign'd ; and thoughtless stray. 
In paths seductive — all which downward lead 
The wand'rer, to the chambers of the dead : 
What, but affliction, can his course arrest, 
Or force the child of folly to be — bless'd ! 

How sweetly doth the Psalmist, Israel's king. 
By sufF'rings taught, afflictions praises sing! 
See the great monarch bow beneath the rod, 
1340 In deep contrition, hear him cry — 'My GodI 
Just are thy judgments, mixt with mercy— all. 
Behold thy servant David prostrate fall ! 
'Tis love that chastens, whensoe'er 1 stray; 
Thy friendly rod restores me to the way 
Of life and peace ; and shall my staff become? 
E'en thro' the vale of death's terrific gloom 1' 

A MUTUAL joy the happy household feel. 
And looks, and words, and acts, the joy reveal. 
Forth from their prison'd home they venture now. 
1350 Nature's fair face, adorn'd by art. to view: 
And all, a- suited best the sex or age. 
Are seen in toil or pastime to engage ; 
Till cautious prudence, like a faithful friend, 
Points them to home, ere ev'ning damps descend; 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 51 

There to await them stands the sweet repast 
Of China's shrub imperial— to the taste, 
With cream, and *' gusty sucker" grateful made; 
And e'en the tempting loaf of wheaten bread, 
And butler from the springhouse, fresh and cool ; 
1360 With other wholesome viands to the full. 

One guest yet fail'd, without whom they seem'd 

lost— 
Their absent father — many a wish he cost, 
And longing look, till he should safe return. — 
But here, alas, — frail * Man is made to mourn.' ' 
And short, and fugitive, are earthly joys ! 
Some secret thorn each blooming hope annoys | 
And, with each wound, is this memento giv'n, 
«Man! seek not here thy rest — 'tis found in 

Heav'n.' 

THEinsatiate plague their honour'd sire pursu'd, 
L 370 While from his home he sought his country's good. 
E'en on the judgment seat, in evil hour, 
He felt, and strove against, the baneful pow'r. 
Anxious, his circuit's toilsome task to closcj 
And in home's bosom to enjoy repose ; 
His jaded, sinking faculties, he urg'd 
Beyond re -action, till completely merg'd 
In one asthenic chaos, he gave o'er — 
Ne'er to resume forensic labours more! 
Now at his quiet rural home arriv'd, 
1380 With mournful welcome was the sage receiv'd. 
And ah ! with boding fears Eugenius heard, 
His trembling father's slow, prophetic word, 
Wliile, on his arm sustain'd, with faithless feet 
The stairs ascending, to his last retreat ! — 
< Hear me, Eugenius, — Ne'er again shall I 

* These steps ascend. My mandate is— to die : 

* Sentence is pass'd — nought can avert the doom J 

* Haste — lead me to my solitary room, 

* For much my feeble frame desires repose • 
1390 ^ And oh ! that there my life, in peace may close ! 



m ESSAYS AT POETRY* 

^I fear not death. I know that God is juslj 
< And in forgiving mercy, humbly trust ; 
<^To boast, I dare not : this, my only plea — • 
^ And 'tis enough — that Jesus died for — me !' 
Fault'ring.yet firm, he spake — then sought his bed. 
And, in five suff'ring days, was numbered with 
the dead I 

Thus was the shepherd smitten, and the sheep 
Left, their sad orphan state to feel and weep. 
Keenly they felt — and long, and sore, they wept : 

£400 While sympathy, in friends of sunshine, slept. 
The parasitic crowd now bent aloof; 
Scarce was the door saluted by one hoof, 
Of all the fawning herd, who erst were seen, 
To court their favour with obsequious mein ! 
Adversity now mark'd them for their own, 
And young Eugenius was her chosen son. 
Torn from the lap of science, at a time 
When most he burn'd her rugged steep to climb; 
He sank beneath necessity's controul, 

i410 Which chill'd the genial current of his soul; 
And all his dreams of future glory fled, 
Ev'n while it beam'd around his hapless head! 
Yet oft, at intervals, a glimpse he caught : 
And, like the child, th' illusive rainbow sought; 
Still as he follow'd the ideal good, 
The phantom mock'd>iind he in vain pursu'd. 

The heritage paternal, well adjusted, 
Thro' aid of faithful men, by law entrusted, 
Who to administer had volunteer'd ; 
i420 Eugenius to his native town repair'd. 

(His debts all paid, his portion now was scant. 
And calPd for industry to keep from want.) 
There with a wortjiy jurisprudent plac'd. 
He for six months the crowded office grac'd : 
But Blackstone for Eugenius had no charms, 
He found more solace in a fair nymph's arms. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 55 

Who dwelt beneath the sage attorney's roof; 
And for whose sake he tarried, long enough. 
A prudent resolution therefore took, 

1430 And law. for physic, hastily forsook : 

But not without regret to leave his friend* 

Whose gen'rous heart had proffer'd to extend, 

Without remuneration, all the aid, 

His studies to complete ; had he but staid. 

Nor e'er, in after life, did Hopkins' name 

Fail to awaken gratitude's pure flame; 

And, as he view'd him rising at the bar, 

To eminence unrivall'd, as a star 

Of brightest lustre, amidst numbers bright; 

1440 His soul enjoy'd a filial delight. 

Two sons of ^sculapius flourish'd then, 
Well skillM in their profession. Both were men 
Whom sire Hippocrates, of deathless name, 
Migiit not have blush'd, in fellowship to claim; 
Brave, gen'rous Hand, and philosophic Kuhn, 
This was Germaniums — that, Hihernici's son : 
He, with a noble and paternal care, 
Caus'd his young pupil, without stint, to share 
The lib'ral comforts of the bed and board; 

1450 His mind with medical instruction stor'd : 

Taught him, the various simples to compound. 
Led him, when prudent, in his visits round, 
Dispensing healing aid; nor fail'd to shew, 
In bed-side lectures, how the Protean foe 
Was best detected— and how., best assail'd : 
AntI oft his favour'd skill o'er death prevail'd. 

And tho' he mov'd in an exalted sphere; 
To ey'ry child of want, he bow'd his ear. 
No office for the sick, with him too mean— 

X460 His greatness in humility was seen ! 

Oft has he left the brilliant, social hall, 
Forgone its pleasures at affliction's call ; 
And, with that hand, long us'd the sword to wieldj 
In what the world misnomers, glory's field; 
F2 



»J4 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

His well taught skill chirurgical would prove, 
Temper'd alike with fortitude and love. 

With him, the youth scarce one short year had 
spent ; 
When discord's sons, on deeds of mischief bent, 
Rebellious, rose against their country's laws, 

1470 Basely pretending liberty the cause ! 

Theirs was, the Whiskey Insurrection, nam'd, 
But soon, with promptitude unthought of, tam'd. 
For he, Columbia's darling Son and Sire, 
Wlio taught her to defy Britania^s ire. 
Assert her Independence, with the word 
Of thunder, back'd by the resistless sword 5 
Who " caus'd the storm of horrid war to cease," 
By Heav'ns permission ; and had sway'd in peace, 
The brightest sceptre, that e'er grac'd the hand 

14B0 Of mortal ruler, o'er fair freedom's land ; 

Who late, with honours ripe, had humbly laid 
His civic crown aside — for Vernon's shade: 
Still felt the Hame of patriot love to glow, . 
And, at his country's call, arose to crush the foe^ 
To prostrate fell rebellion to the ground — 
Transfix the hydra with a deadly wound ; 
And teach posterity, that freedom^s cause 
Then suffers most^\vhen freemen break her laws. 

Forth, from the plough, once more in armour 

clad, 
1490 In all his wonted majesty array'd ; 

His country's bulwark — in himself a host— 
See ! Washington advancing to the post 
Of chief command ! while hundreds, at his word^ 
Haste to unsheathe the long-quiescent sword. 
From east and west, from north and south thej 

come : 
Hark ! the war-breathing trumpet and the drum. 
With concert fife, throughout each state, invite 
Vet'ran and youth to wage the vengeful fights 



// 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 53 

Columbia's Eagle, from his forest-throne, 
1.?00 Eyes the bright armour, glittering in the sun; 
Shakes his dark plumes; low bends his hoary 

crest, 
As if t' enquire— Who dar'd disturb his rest? 
Soon his keen glance the well-known chief espies, 
While troops of freemen, rallying round him, rise! 
His jealous spirit, kindling at the sight. 
Re-nerves his sinewy wings for distant flight. 
Spurning his lofty nest, he soars along, 
The woods re-echoing with his shrill war-song; 
On weil-pois'd pinions cleaves the yielding air; 
1510 Till o'er the tented tield arriv'd — and there— 
Awhile, on balance, motionless remains. 
Save that his snowy neck he downward strains ; 
Next, wheels, in reconnoit'ring circuits, rounds 
Successive, nearing to the martial ground — 
Now, at the Hero's feet, majestic, lights, 
Flaps his broad wings, the envied smile invites; 
Soon feels the welcome hand to stroke his crestj 
And smoothe the plumage of his noble breast; 
Perches, contented, on the thund'ring gun ; 
15:20 And Heav'n enjoys, in guarding Freedom's Sox! 



\ 



56 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

BOOK VI. 



The troops of Pennsylvania, on were led 
By ardent Mifflin, then her lawful head. 
Well skill'tl in arms — in eloquence as \vcU, 
'Tvvas his, the youthful bosom to enswell 
With love of martial glory, and inspire 
To deeds of valour, worthy of each sire. 
Nor vain his eloquence: each free-born soul, 
Felt but the common flame that warm'd the whole. 

Eugenius, yet a minor, cios'd his book, 
T530 Besought his kind preceptor, with a look 
That baffled all denial, for permission, 
T' equip and arm, for this fam'd expedition. 
And having, of his guardian, leave obtain'd, 
(With ease, for that they both now held command,) 
Behold the youth, from life to death transform'd, 
And, late the healer, strut, the soldier arm'd ! 

Now for ^Farewell,' to sweet-hearts and to 
friends. 
Slow, to the vv'est, the new-born army tends. 
Thro' rain, and mud, and sleet, and drifting snov/p 

1540 Onward they move, and burn to meet the foe; 
Save a few weaklings, whose misgiving mind 
Fear'd death at ev'ry step — in ev'ry wind : 
These, having march'd some twenty miles or morej 
Return M to peace and safety as before; 
This, sure, was prudent — ^if it was not brave^ 
^lan, true to nature, seeks, his life to savej 
And ev'n in battle, he who runs away. 
May fight if so he please, another day! 
Yet still, there want not men, reputed wisCj, 

S550 W^ho scruple not to charge to cowardice, 
The just conclusions of such men of sense^ 
As follow nature's law of self-defence i 



lESSAYS AT POETRY. 



To waive digression, and ' sub judice^ 
Leave this dispute, and those who chose to stay? 
The busy Bard, in duty bound, must face 
To the right, and march, into his proper place. 

Thro' many a staring village did they pass. 
And many a smile they got fr7)m many a lass; 
For, Reader, be this secret to thee known : 

1560 As ' Saints in crape, are two-fold saints in lawn,' 
So men, tho' bold enough a fort to storm, 
Are still but men — without their uniform. 
This makes them twice as brave, to female viewj 
Which, when encamp'd, or on a march, will do. 

Eugenius was not without good conceit. 
That he would fight the foe, were they to meet 
His comrades too, all thought he was good stuflj 
But, be this as it might — there wanted proof. 
Still, with light heart, his duty he perform'd ; 

lofO It matter'd little, how it rain'd or storm'd; 
Or whether in his tent, or mounting guard, 
A soldier's duty was to him not hard. 
Let him but have his rations and a fci^ng, 
Content was his companion, all day long, 
And all night too; for aye his sleep was sounds 
Whether on straw, or on the bare, moist ground. 
The morning gun scarce ever caught him napping, 
Kor did he ne'ed the reveille drum's tapping, 
To rouse him from his slumber, soft and sweet: 

1530 But up, and dress'd was he, all clean and neat, 
T'enjo)' the early concert, loud and shrill, 
Reverberating o'er, from hill to hill; 
And, thro' the undulating air around. 
Commingling into one harmonious sound. 

March follow^s marcli, in bloodless enterprize, 
No foe appears : but ^v^vy dastard Hies, 
As loyalty advances- — save a few, 
rhat know not where to llee, or what to do: 



58 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

These are securM, and under proper guard, 
1590 Sent to receive their merited reward. 

Thus ended the campaign, with toil replete. 
And thus rebellion sufFer'd a defeat. 
By simply — marching a few thousand men 
To Pittsburg — and then — marching back again! 

But think not that Eugenius, all this while 
A blank remain'd — Oft he 'd the hours beguile 
With mimic song, or trick, or merry jest, 
To drown what else might seem but toil, at best. 
In short, he sometimes sacred things would handle, 
1600 And pray — and preach — and sing — in very scan- 
dal 
Of holy office, till all in a roar. 
He 'd set the camp ! But oft for this felt sore ! 
Yea, when in after life, borne dow^i with grief, 
For past transgression, he besought relief 
From bitter pangs, of that pure Source of GooDj 
Thro' His immaculate Redeeming Blood : 
How were these follies set in black array, 
Till Grace, relenting, wash'd their stains away! 

One serious trick upon himself, the Bard 
lOiO Must now relate, as from his mouth he heard: 
It chanc'd, one afternoon, when homeward bound. 
The snow two inches deep upon the ground, 
That, as the troops were marching, at slow rate, 
Thro' roads of slush and mud ; as driv'n by fate, 
A Deer, affrighted, rush'd athwart the ranks, 
Without leave ask^d, or e'er returning thanks. 
Eugenius, who, the night before, had stood 
On guard, and in his musket kept the load; 
At once pursued with inconsiderate haste, 
1620 Far. thro' the pathless wood, in nimble chace. 
Awhile he track'd his game — thro' clogging snow, 
But stopp'd at length, nor knew which course to 

go. 
For now he reach'd a wide extended plain, 
IVhere not a remnant of the snow was seen. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 59 

The fierce northwest had stripp'd the surface bare^ 
"Whirling its fleecy cov'ring high in air. 
Around its border, with chagrin he pac'd. 
But not a vestige of the deer he trac'd : 
Till, vex'd and weary, he his folly mourn'd; 
1630 And fain would to his comrades have return'd. 
Eager he listen'd for the distant sound 
Of drum or fife: But silence reign'd profound ! 
In vain, to measure back his steps he sought, 
Lost in the mazes which himself had wrought. 
Approaching night his youthful heart appaPd : 
Verging despondence, loud and oft he call'd ; 
If haply some one, hunting late, might hear; 
But vain his hope — no human foot was near : 
Weary and hungry, friendless and alone, 
1640 Without defence, except his trusty gun ; 
Venting his sorrows in the listless air; 
He wrapp'd him in the mantle of despair. 

But, as kind Providence had will'd it, lo! 
Just o'er the top of a deep mound of snow, 
AppearM a light, dim shining from afar; 
Hope sprang afresh : he knew 'twas not a star : 
For storm -fraught clouds had veil'd the blue e.\ 

panse; 
Which gave Eugenius courage to advance. 
Cautious he stepp'd, lest in the treach'rous v/avc 
1650 Of snow, high drifted, he migh't find- a grave* 
His course he varied, to the left or right, 
Or forward ; watching wishfully the light. 

A straw-thatch'd cabin he cspi'd, at length, 
When rallying his small remains of strength ; 
His tott'ririg limbs the humbU' threshold gain'd : 
He knock'd, and kind aduiittance soon obtained. 
The aged host, somewhat alarm'd appear'd, 
When' first Eugenius enter 'd — for he fear'd, 
^o good intention could, thus late, have brougliu 
1660 A warlike stranger; and himself bethought. 
To seize a rifle, in his own defence ; 
But the youth's manner held him in suspense : 



Go ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

And when his artless narrative he heard, 
Suspicion vanishM. Promptly he preparM 
Such simple banquet as he had in store ; 
And bade him welcome — Could a prince do more: 

To it he went, with appetite full keen, 
And quaff-d the grog, and stripp'd the platter 

clean ; 
Grateful to bounteous Heav'n, and to his host, 
1670 He rose refresh'd — and soon in sleep was lost. 

The ruddy morn now ushers in apace. 
And darkness, fleeing, seeks a hiding place : 
His horn the huntsman winds; the unkenneiM 

hound, 
Symphonious ululates, and snufFs the ground. 
Now lost Eugenius, with new vigor brac'd, 
Leaps from his humble couch ; and clad in haste. 
Comes forth, accoutred, to salute his host, 
And, thankful for his care, enquire the cost. 
The gen'rous woodsman, with a placid air, 
1680 Replies: * No mercenary soul dwells here: 

< Welcome thou hast been to the bed and board, 
* And 1 can yet a breakfast well afford. 

< Then be content with but a short delay ; 
'And to the camp my son shall lead the way. 

< Last night, they pitch'd eight miles southeast- 
ward hence, 

<But you 'U surprise them ere they strike theii 
tents.' 

The Chestnut Coffee in a trice was got, 
And Ven'son Steak, which a spruce damsel 

brought ; 
"Whom modest bashfulness had hid, till now 
1;690 Compel I'd, her pretty rosy face to shew. 

'Your daughter, 1 presume' — ^^Eugenius said,»-" 
And bow'd, respectful, to the blushing maid: 
<My only daughter' — the kind host repli'd — 
And my 'chief comfort, since her mother died/ 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 6j| 

— <Take care of her, my friend, lest you should 

lose her, 
* For I mistake, if some one else don't choose 

her:' 
Thus archly spake the youth, and, leering sly. 
Caught the keen glances of her laughing eye. 
Then, gallantry aside, he fell to work, 

2700 And play'd most manfully at knife and fork; 
With coffee the interstices fill'd up, 
Sukey, untir'd, replenishing his cup. 

Now, having risen from the gen'rous board. 
Well satisfied, and with a heart well stor'd 
With gratitude, which by the lips found vent; 
His course with speed he to the army bent. 
Nor did the promis'd youthful pilot grudge. 
In company th' unbeaten road to trudge ; 
Bearing a wallet, with a dainty piece 

1710 Of ven'son, for the officers to slice. 

Right glad Eugenius was, of this, 1 trow; 
For he well knew 'twould smooth the captain's 

brow ; 
And mitigate, in part, the reprimand, 
Which, else, had come with an unsparing hand:, 

The tented soldiery soon met his sight. 
And fill'd our hero with a mix'd delight 
And fear — for he expected a reproof; 
Tho' as he thought, he 'd suffer'd quite enough. 
Yet, having more to hope for, than to fear, 

179.0 He squar'd his cap, quite a la militaire ; 

Advanc'd with steady step, and took his post^ 

Among his messmates, who had thought him lost^ 

And introduc'd his friend, the gen'rous youth. 

Who of his story could well vouch the truth. 

Then, to his officers, obeisance made ; 

And, with respect, their clemency he pray'd : 

The ven'son next produced, his cause to plead^ 

Which fail'd not happily to intercede. 

But of some jokes, Eugenius bore the brunt ^ 

S730 And long it was ere he forgot— the HunTq 



69. ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

The youthful rustic, ere he took his lea"ve. 
Consented, a small present to receive ; 
As a memorial of warm gratitude- 
Then homeward, thro' the woods, his course pui- 
sued. 

And now no more of war the Bard shall write. 
Save that the troops return 'd home, from the fight 
Of elements, with many trophies crown'd : 
And long may fame their valiant deeds resound ! 

His wonted duties, after some delay, 
1740 In cooling off— as bacchanalian's say, 
Behold Eugenius wisely re-assume. 
With view to usefulness in time to come. 
His good preceptor, venerable Hand, 
Who late in the campaign had borne command ; 
Now re-appli'd his mind and heart, to heal, 
Or, as a statesman, plan the public weal; 
But. being well advanced in hoary years, 
Soon sought release from these his arduous care? : 
And, near the city, purchas'd a retreat, 
1750 Call'd * Rockford^ — a romantic country-seat — 
With much of nature left, his time to employ. 
And much of art, at leisure to enjoy: 
The winding Conostogo kiss'd its shore, 
And, for the tribute, rich alluvion bore. 
Thither, retiring from the busy town. 
His practice he declin'd, and sat him down. 

Now saw Eugenius, with an aching heart, 
The day approaching, from his Friend to part! 
To change, once more— to meet adventure ne\v : 
1760 Presenting to his mind a dreary view: 

Yet, rich in buoyant spirits, and in hope, 
Which oft had sweeten'd his embitter'd cup ; 
He left, resignedly, this second Home, 
Lo.ith to anticipate his future doom. 
For ' res angusta' scarcely would allow 
That he to the metropolis should go j 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 63 

Yet, being his preceptor's last advice, 

He deem'd it best — whate'er might be the price. 

Arrangements with his guardian first were 
made ; 

1770 A sum, then due by bond, was promptly paid— 
'Twas no great sum, indeed — but quite enough. 
Imprimis, our adventurer to fix off. 
And other gales were likely to ensue, 
As needed — should he make his wants but fe\V« 

Now, Reader, 'twas Eugenius' full intent; 
Right carefully to husband ev'ry cent! 
To each professor, so much must be paid— 
For other purposes, provision made : 
And, in his mind, resolv'd to keep account 

1780 Of ev'ry item — the exact amount; 

With prudence plann'd the course he should pur- 
sue, 
Just what he would, and what he would not, dOo 
Of so much foresight did he seem possess'd, 
That none who did not know him, would have 

guess'd. 
What brittle stuff' compos'd his resolution — ■ 
How soon his funds would suffer diminution. 
But, having fix'd upon a time for starting; 
He thought, a little cantico at parting. 
With some of his companions, could not harm: 

1790 So kept it up awhile, 'till somewhat warm. 

And, as the custom is, when wine had enter'd. 
And snug was in the throne of reason centred ; 
it turn'd her out of doors; and soon made way 
For over-heated passions to bear sway. 
These must the pabulum appropriate find; 
And what more suited to the abject mind. 
Than cards, and dice — the radicals of evil — 
The art and text book of " Nick Ben,' the devill 
These by some men of wits were introduc'd; 

2 800 And for a time some trifling games amus'd: 



04 ESSAYS AT POETRY* 

Till by degrees, they more advent'rous grew, 
And for deep stakes the spotted ivory threw. 

Eugenius found his treasure ebbing fast; 
And, to retrieve it, made a desp'rate cast, 
If possible, the shining board to sweep. 
At which he stole an avaricious peep; 
And cried : ' Fortuna favet Fortibus !' 
But soon perceiv'd: * Non stulto, sortibus:' 
For an old sharper, who had shunn'd the bowl, 

iSlO With sober cunning, robb'd him of the whole! 
(That is, of all the booty on the board) 
And soon into his gaping pocket pour'd : 
Then, with a studied smile, and graceful bow, 
He bade ' good night,' and said, he needs must go; 
For bus'ness of importance call'd him thence; 
And hop'd they 'd with his company dispense ! 
Judge, Reader ! if thou canst, what pangs of 
soul 
Were his, when brought to recollection cool ! 
Shame, and remorse, and frenzy, and despair, 

1820 Each, in its turn, now sway'd the empire there. 
His passage he must take, by dawn to-morrow — 
His funds near spent! he knew not where to 

borrow! 
Behold the plans, concerted v/ith such care, 
ISow frustrate, all, and vanish'd into air ! 
What could he do — or whither look for aid ? 
With body languid, and a heart dismay'd; 
In sleep he sought his sorrow to forget ; 
Then, fev'rish rose, and took his dreary seat. 
Time pass'd unheeded, as the rapid car 

1830 Convey'd him onward, till he saw, from far, 
The lofty spires of Philadelphia rise; 
To sadden — not rejoice — his aching eyes. 
Quick, o'er the time -proof bridge, impetuous, 

pass'd 
The bounding stage-coach; till the steeds at last. 
Panting, and sweating, to the goal arriv'd. 
Where Dunwoody the weary guests receiv'd. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. ^5 

Soon as with food and gen'rous wine refresh'd ; 
Eugenius, of a school-mate went in quest : 
And, having found him, begg'd that, as a friend, 

1840 Appropriate boarding he might recommend; 
Hinting as prudently as well he could, 
That his finances were not very good; 
And that, content with mediocrity. 
The terms must neither be too low, nor high. 

A place soon offer'd, than which, had he sough£ 
The city through, none better had he got. 
Neatness herself might be an inmate there. 
Nor fear her dress to soil with dusty chair. 
Order and quietness were more than names— 

1850 For the two mistresses were Quaker dames; 
Nor were they prudish, nor at all severe, 
Tho' 'tis confess'd, Eugenius oft was queer: 
And sang his song, and play'd his violin : 
But they were lenient, nor thought it sin. 
And though full oft he seem'd less wise than 

funny, 
Aunty still bore with all from ' saucy Sonny:' 
Nor at a joke would cousin vainly quhke. 
But e'en would laugh, till very sides did shake. 



E ^ 



G6 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

BOOK VIL 



The accomplish'd Barton, his preceptor iicaV; 
i860 Skill'd to «• behold the lilies, how thej grow;'* 
From nature's lap to cull each plant and flow'r. 
Or for delight, or fraught with healing pow'r : 
Toward the youth extended fostering care, 
UrgM him, by application, to prepare 
For honour medical, in proper time; 
Nor idly waste of life the precious prime. 

Awhile he seem'd on study fully bent. 
And to his lectures regularly went: 
But ere nine months elaps'd, his heart misgave 
him, 
iSrO No means appear'd from penury to save him. 
Oft too, on pay-days, he was at a stand 
For cash, much needed, but beyond command. 
True, he was vain, and much too fond of plea- 
sure. 
His heart oft sailing faster than his treasure; 
And therefore much of his distress and care 
Was his own daily manufactur'd ware. 
Yet, when 'tis recollected, that the mind, 
Just as in childhood bent, is still inclin'd; 
That fortune seem'd to smile upon his birth, 
1880 And raise his hopes above the toils of earth, 

That adverse winds, in life's fair spring, had 

rag'd, 
And war unequal with the stripling wag'd : 
What wonder, that his fragile barque, now toss'dj 
The helm unshipp'd, and his best pilot lost; 
Should on life's billowy ocean vacillate, 
As if impatient of a quiet state? 

He now resolv'd, from books to shake him freC; 
Pay off all scores, and brave the boist'rous sea. 



m 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 6^ 

A master of a merchantman he knew— 
1S90 Propos'd to him the plan he had in view, 

Which was, as foremast hand on board to enter, 
And, doucing; long-tacks, as a sailor venture. 
This proposition caus'd his friend to stare. 
And not a little at his folly swear. 
Strong arguments he urg'd against his plan ; 

* Why! what 's broke now — what 's got into the 

man ? 

* Can't you be quiet at your books ashore ? 

' What would you want, you lubber ? Ocean's 
roar, 

< And sailors' toils, don't suit such lads as you : 
1900 * Go home— resolve your studies to pursue. 

« To sea before the mast ! Well — that 's a whaler! 
'Whoever knew such green horn make a sailor?' 
Thus, and much more, the honest captain said. 
But no impression on Eugenius made : 
For go he would, and if he chose to take him, 
'Twas well — if not, he knew he could not make 

him : 
But surely some one else he thought he 'd find-. 
Whose views were more congenial with his mind. 
' Well, well—if you ivill go — why, there 's an 
end on 't; 
1910 ' I '11 take you — but, 1 say, you may depend on 'tj 
«If I don't make a sailor of you, boy, 

< I 'II know, ere we come back, the reason why.' 

Preliminaries settled, off he went, 
Purchas'd sea clothes, his student's tacks unbent j; 
And laid th«m by, for holidays and so — 
Then, almost at a loss, himself to know — 
W^ith sailor jacket, vest, and trowsers wide, 
Straw hat, neat pumps, silk hose, and 'kerchief 

ti'd 
Around his check shirt collar, loose and free, 
|9£0 Hair queu'd as ship-shape as queu'd hair could be: 



68 ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

Thus rigg'd, with switch in hand, he steerM his 

way, 
To see his captain — hear what he should say : 
And weather all his jokes, so sure to come, 
Provided Maxwell he should find at home. 

And sure enough, he found the seaman snug 
Moor'd along side his wife, with can of grog; 
Puffing the Spaniard with a right good will, 
And^ though in smoke envelopM, smoking still. 
^ The ship, ahoy !— Whence came you — whither 
bound ?' 
1950 Was the first welcome that Engenius found : 

A broadside next of oaths — no more than powder. 
Yet harsh enough to make the novice shudder. 
Then came the small-shot jokes, like show'r of 

hail, 
Cracking against him as he crowded sail ! 
But, strange to tell, Eugenius was not hurt. 
They could not penetrate be^^ond his shirt ! 
With sweet, engaging air, of polish'd life, 
And heart benevolent, the lovely wife. 
Made full amends for all ; and, blythe and gay, 
1940 The trio pass'd a memorable day. 

The fix'd agreement, ere he took his leavCj 
Was, that Eugenius wages should receive, 
Proportion'd to his labour and his skill; 
And that he should submit, with a free will, 
To all commands. But in consideration 
Of what had been, on shore, his former station 5 
The gen'rous captain profter'd that his fare 
Should in the cabin be, with him to share. 

Clear was the sky, and cold and bleak the daj^ 
195^ For February now maintain'd his sway, 

When the old water-boat, Susanna nam'd, 
A brig for philosophic movement fam'd, 
And steady independence — never knowm 
To envj others' speed, or boast her owii^ 



EBSAYS AT POETRY. 69 

From stem to stern well freighted and well found; 
Was fit for sea. And now the welcome sound-— 
*0n board ! my boys' — salutes Eugenius' ears; 
Who heeds the summons, and on deck appears. 
(His task soon o'er, from friends and all to part; 
i960 His face-lights swabb'd, and with a cheery heart) 
Gallanting lady Maxwell, who, long time, 
Of precious health had sufFer'd a decline. 
She now, this choicest blessing to regain, 
"Ventured on board, to 'tempt the boist'rous main. 
For her, Eugenius had laid in a store 
Of entertaining books, and, what was more, 
His violin had put in requisition, 
In hope, at times, to serve her as musician. 

Now, under weigh, and for Jamaica bound, 
1970 Eugenius pulls and hauls, and scuds around, 

Where'er commanded: while the quizzing crew 
Eye the young would-be tar, from top to toe. 
Some call him Captain's Pet; and some, his Son, 
All count him lawful game, and poke their fun. 

Maxwi'Ll, observing how the storm was brewing. 
And that 'straws shew which way the wind is 

blowing;' 
Advanc'd, and thus address'd them : ' Now, my 
boys ! 

* This youth 's a friend of mine, who, out of choice, 
' Goes foremast hand, to see how sailors live. 

1980 ' He works as you do, and will pay receive, 
' According to his merits: so take care 
' To use him kindly, boys, and, d'ye hear I 

* If e'er 1 know you treat him otherwise, 

'I 'II trim your jackets for you — d — 7i my eyesT 
The three last wonis, perforce recorded here, 
Fain would the Bard have blotted with a tear! 4 
Ah, why should one of noblest mould, whose ] 

mind. 
By culture and experience well refin'd ; 



TO ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

And, to the nicest sense of honour wrought, 
1900 Was with each manly virtue richly fraught: 
Thus, with what e'en a vassal would disgrace, 
Dim the fine gold — his character debase ! 
E'en had he ne'er, in oaths, blasphem'd that 

Name, 
Which no man. guitless ever took in vain ; 
Yet were such language, prompt at every whim, 
Unfit for native nobleman like him ! 
But, such the force of baneful education, 
That seamen boast of it, in ev'ry station. 

EuGENius took their quizzing in good part, 
2000 And did what he could do with willing heart, 
And, tho' his cold and blister'd hands evinc'd 
That ropes and books were two, yet never flinch'd: 
Save that he clapp'd his mittens on a while, 
But soon perceiving that this rais'd the smile 
Contemptuous, and the "busy whisper round:** 
No other safe alternative he found, 
Than, oft* to take them, put them in his pocket, 
And, by advice, resort to the tar-bucket; 
In which he plung'd them, smarting, o'er and o'er, 
'2010 And then resum'd his duties as before. 
This remedy, in a short time, succeeded. 
And tar and mittens were no longer needed. 

Now, down the Delaumre^ and out to sea, 
Brisk gale, and easy sail, and all in glee; 
Eugenius was inclin'd his skill to try. 
Among the crev/, at physiognomy: 
Vv ith view to single from them, in the end. 
One who might serve as teacher and as friend. 
So, putting on as much of sailor air 
£020 As, in his circumstances, he could spare ; 
He sought the forecastle, and sat him down, 
And talk'd, and jok'd, till quite familiar grown; 
And, ere the reconnoit'ring visits clos'd. 
Questions about the rigging he propos'd ; 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 71 

And of the vessel too, from stem to stern, 
Aloft, below, — all technicals to learn. 
Oft too, at mess-times he 'd his biscuit break 
Among them, and of their shin-K.oo.j po^-i-J;'^ i 
Or swap his other tiainties for their fare — 

.10.30 Auu learn their songs, or comb and tie their hair. 
This conduct, persever'd in. gain'd them all 5 
Each was now ready, at Eugenius' call, 
To lend a friendly hand ; but chiefly one, 
A vet'ran seaman, mark'd him for his own : 
Harris, by name, of brave Hibernian blood ; 
"Who long the storms of naval war had stood. 
In fam'd Britannia's service; but of late. 
Had forfeited his rank, as boatswain's mate. 
On board the ship Bellona, by desertion ; 

j2040 And made good his escape, with much exertion. 
With him Eugenius, when on duty, pair'd; 
And knowledge, from his long experience, sharM. 
He taught him how to go aloft, and how 
Each rope, and brace, and yard, and sail to knowj 
How to take in a reef, or hand the sail, 
Or steer, in adverse or propitious gale ; 
To use the marlinespike, a rope to splice, 
To work his ball of spun-yarn in a trice — ■ 
In short — a seaman's duty, first and last, 

^^050 Ev'n to the scraping of the deck, or mast. 

Maxwell, with pleasure, saw the youth improve. 
And to encourage him, at all times strove. 
But with far diff'rent eyes, the haughty mate 
Beheld him ; for his breast with ranc'rous hate^ 
And envy burn'd : nor could his little soul 
Endure to see him notic'd, but with foul 
And da^stard arts, would oftimes interfere, 
When Maxwell, his superior, stood not near. 
Eugenius long this hostile conduct bore, 

52060 But now, determin'd he 'd submit no more 5 
And plainly told him, that he came not there 
To stoop to tyrannvj or cringe with fear ; 



72 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

That ev'ry just command he would obey 
With promptitude and care, bv night or day } 
But, to be singled out, and made the sport 
Of vvniiii or rr.allce, after any sort, 
"Was what he had not merited— and more — 
That he should call him to account, on shore. 
Where, altho' now inferior, yet the sequel 
20rO Might prove him to be — quite his lordship's equal. 
This ecclaircisement, in the captain's hearing, 
Had the effect to bring him to a bearing: 
For Maxwell now into the cause enquir'd, 
And. when to dinner all hands had retir'd. 
To each explain 'd his duty and his sphere, 
And gave the mate a reprimand severe. 

Meanwhile the brig, by petty jars unmov'd. 
Her course pursu'd, just at the gait she lov'd. 
Sometimes, when in good humour, and high spirit?. 
2080 With her full suit on, she would shew her merits .: 
And scamper on, as fast as in her pow'r. 
E'en sometimes travel full ten knots an hour ! 
This, in the Gulf Stream, she was known to do. 
When trade winds, at her beck, obsequious blew- 
Yet, from the path prescrib'd, she 'd sometimes 
stray. 
Making, what seamen use to call, lee-way : 
In truth, the said Susanna had this knack, 
Which once had nearly made herself a wreck ; 
And to the bottom sent all hands aboard — 
£090 This circumstance, the Bard shall nov»r record .* 
'Twas half past three A. M. The gloom of 
night, 
Defi'd, as yet, the golden orb of light, 
Ko mountain wave, impetuous, rear'd his head 
O'er ocean's gently undulating bed. 
The brig, by wind and sea propitious driv'n, 
Seem'd rightly bound toward her destin'd haven; 
No danger by the watchful mate was fear'd. 
For, by his frequent reck'nings it appeared. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. fi> 

That much allowance for lee-way was made, 
2100 And strict attention to the log-line })aid. 

The unsuspecting crew were lock'd in sleepj 
Save those whose turn it was the watch to keep* 
Eugenius and the mate were of this number^ 
The former on the hencoop, fighting slumber. 
When on a sUdden there was felt ajar, 
As if old Neptune, in his Conchshell car, 
By fleet sea-coursers drawn, had, with his trident; 
Struck Susan on the nose, or close aside on 't 5 
And, not content with fetching her one blow, 
SI 10 In anger mythologic, hove down two! 

Kow, what could have induc'd the wat'ry kingj 
To perpetrate this most outrageous thing, 
Might puzzle Homer, that great poem maker^ 
To tell; or Virgil, his great Imitator !- 

Eugenius, who was half asleep, 'tis sure, 
Knew not the cause. To him all was obscure ; 
But, being thrown some feet from where he sat^ 
He knew 'twas not a dream ; and ask'd the matCj 
Who, just recover'd from a plump on deck, 
2120 Now terrifi'd, sang out, — ' The brig 's a wreck ! 

< We 're gone ! all 's over ! she has struck a rock^ 
' Haste — call the captain — say, the brig has struck! 

< Then call all hands, and quickly sound the pump j 
« She cannot weather such another thump!' 

The sense of danger so tremendous, near, 
Had now inspir'd Eugenius too with fear : 
He hasted to obey the mate's commands, 
Knock'd up the captain — then rous'd out all 

hands ; 
Sounded the pump, which now, for ev'ry minute 
2130 Show'd a full inch of water rising in it. 

Th' affrighted crew, unable to command^ 
The leak, by efforts of each lab'ring hand 5 
In hopeless hope beheld the dawning day ; 
O'er the horizon cast its potent ray ; 
W^hich to their half averted view disclos'd. 
The fate to which the brig now stood espos'd ; 
H 



r4 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Anil fully, to their anxious minds explain'd. 
The injury Susanna had sustain'd. 

They now perceiv'd what caus'd the double 
shock : 

Q140 The brig upon a point of rock had struck ; 
Rebounding then, had broke the point away, 
Sev'ring her stem not far from the bob-stay^: 
Thus, unawares, herself had introduc'd 
Where other ne'er had been — whence to be loos'd. 
Her master would her price have freely offered. 
To any who to rescue her had profFer'd. 

To stop the leak, was not within their powV, 
Her freight consisting of beef, pork, and flour. 
To man the pumps, was now their only hope.. 

2150 If possible, awhile to keep her up ; 

Till Providence, to sufF'ring mortals kind, 
Should with relief rejoice each anxious mind. 
Judge, reader, if they had not cause to fear: 
Rocks all around them — not a vessel near : 
No exit, save where entrance had been forc'J, 
Unless for them the wind had been revers'd. 
Yet, altho' not revers'd, it pleas'd that Mixd, 
Who walks the sea, and rides upon the wind ; 
His well-known voice to utter — *' Peace! be still!"' 

£160 They trembling heard, and prompt obey-d His 
will. 
While half were lab'ring, half short respite 
caught. 
Of fifteen minutes : Thus they ceaseless wrought 
By turns, with little sustenance — no sleep. 
Two days and nights upon the briny deep; 
Till, on the third, their strength and spirits fail'd; 
When lo ! their ensign of distress prevail'd 
Upon a distant whale-boat, to draw near, 
And for their safe deliverance to prepare. 
The master along side was quickly seen, 

£170 Who, with a gen'rous and intrepid mien, 

The deck ascended, took the captain's hand^ 
And ask'd permission to assume command. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. TS 

This done— he causM the vessel to be tow'd, 
Out from the prison, with her precious load ; 
Thro' the same narrow door at which she enterM| 
Terrific — but where all of hope was centerM. 
Thence, in a zig;£ag course, for many a league, 
Thro' reefs Bermudian, he convey 'd the brig, 
Safe to St. George's Bay, The crew, now spent, 

^180 With toil, the pilot's men assistance lent; 

Till from Bermuda, hands could be brought down^ 
To warp the brig up to the distant town. 

In search of these the gen'rous pilot went. 
And in an hour, eight Africans were sent: 
At sight of whom all hands were overjoy'd ; 
And soon their brawney muscles were employ'J, 
Part plied the pumps, and part, well skill'd in 

towing. 
Synchronous with the foreman's music rowing; 
The vessel to the port, triumphant bore, 

iU90 And lash'd her to the long-expected shore! 
Meanwhile Eugenius and his shipmates, all. 
Had yielded to sweet sleep's imperious call 5 
And, in the twink'ling of an eye, forgot, 
On Morpheus^ lap, the rigor of their lot. 

The night had now her sable awning clos'J 
Around, and weary man to rest dispos'd. 
Maxwell, with his sweet partner, left the deck, 
Thankful to have escap'd the threaten'd wreck; 
And sought a suitable hotel on shore, 

-1^200 Tir'd nature and sunk spirits to restore-. 



re ESSAYS AT POETRY. 



^^^ BOOKVIII. 



Resurgent from his azure-curtain'd bed, 
Fring'd with Aurora's richest tints of red ; 
And spangled o'er with many a twinkling star. 
See ! giant Sol, to run his course prepare ! 
The earth, rejoicing, hails his quick'ning raj'', 
And man, responsive, greets a sabbath day: 
Not hallow'd here, as erst in ages gone. 
This consecrated day ! The glorious sun, 
(Could crime obscure his radiance) here might 
hide 
JS210 His face in clouds, or 'neath the wavy tide ! 
Each lustful lord of western India's clime — 
Spendthrift alike of wealth, and health, and time; 
Reason and conscience exil'd from his breast; 
Makes this day sev'nfold viler than the rest. 

Yet Afric's sons — the beasts of burden here — 
Freed from the lash awhile, prefer their pray'r 5 
Waft their deep woes, in sighs, unto their God, 
And groans, which pierce compassion's blest 
abode. 

Too soon Eugenius saw the day return — 
£220 Too soon for him, this else propitious morn ! 

While neighb'ring ships' crews all were gay and 

trim 
For Sunday, 'twas not Sabbath day to him. 
Susanna's crew, still doom'd to toil and sweat, 
Reluctant, leave their lethean retreat ; 
And, to the word obedient, slow prepare 
To hoise her bulky contents to the air; 
And safe transfer them from the deck, to land,. 
While gazing hundreds line the busy strand. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 77 

This needful labour 'twere in vain to shun, 

i2230 No skill the leak could stop, till this were done. 

The tackle fix'd, one seaman's * Yo ahe oh !' 

Resounds, while pond'rous hogsheads, rising slow 

From their deep beds, where full five weeks they 'd 

lain, 
X^nmov'd, amid the dashings of the main ; 
tShew their huge forms, and creaking, roll along 
The deck — resistless of the sailor's song. 
Barrels and kegs of meal, pork, beef and butter, 
Bounce from the hold, and in promiscuous clutter. 
Strewing the deck, hop briskly as they go, 
;2:240 While Harris cheerily sings — « Yo — heave — ohi' 

Ah ! poor Bill Harris! This ill-fated tar 
Soon sings •• another-guess' — The ship of war, 
Bellona, now at anchor meets his sight, 
A gun-shot distant — clear as black and white ! 
My patrons recollect, this was the ship, 
"Whose admiral, Murray, Bill had giv'n the slips 
"What wonder, then, he should aback be struck. 
At such a glaring instance of bad luck ? 

The sudden tack in Bill, the captain spied, 
2250 From aft, and quickly brought him along side ; 
Enquir'd the cause, and bade him nothing fear, 
That ev'n a Murray should not touch him there. 

Forthwith a hiding-place below was made, 
Where, for two weeks, Bill was'securely fed; 
Here, for the present, we shall leave him moor'd. 
And, ere we close, the sequel may record. 

Jack Jldams next the foreman's station fill'd, 
While to his ' yo — heave — oh." each seaman toil'dp 
Reader, if curious thou art, to know, 
2260 Who this Jack Jidams was, ere on we go; 

The Bard will briefly tell thee: He was one. 
Whom Pennsylvania call'd h^r native son; 
Of birth obscure — but of a noble mind, 
I'rue was he to his trust, and brave, and kind^ 



rS ESSAYS AT POETRY^ 

And — strange to tell ! — ^he never tasted grog. 
Nor swore, nor mess'd with any jolly dog. 
In all things provident, he sav'd his pelf, 
Hard earn'd ; but think not 'twas for love of self. 
No — that a widow'd mother, who was poor, 
^SrO Might share the comforts of his little store. 

Thus steadily, for two whole days, they 
wrought 
Until the leak clear within view was brought ; 
When measures soon were taken to repair 
The brig, and fit her with the utmost care, 
For weathering the dangers of the ocean. 
Should J^ep again to vex her take a notion. 
Meanwhile, what cargo had been put ashore, 
Was well exchang'd for gold ; and all, or morCy 
Had met a ready market, at high rate, 
f2S80 But for instructions, which were fix'd as fate : 
By these, Jamaica was the destin'd port; 
And Maxwell knew he 'd have to answer for 'tj 
if, varying from his orders, he should dare, 
E'en from best motives, seek a mart elsewhere. 

Two weeks elaps'd ere Susan was rigg'd up; 
Meanwhile Bill Harris now and then would pop 
His head on deck; and warily look round, 
To see if Murray^ s spies were near his ground : 
Till, on the eve of getting under weigh, 

2S90 He sv^ore he 'd have one jolly holiday ! 
So, with Eugenius, ready at his call. 
He steer'd for town, whatever might befal 5 
And hearing of an inn, well fam'd for sport, 
In juggling, sleight of hand, and all such sort; 
They bore away for 't, and right merrily. 
Plied grog, and so forth, till the close of day. 
Grown bold, now Bill two British seamen hail'd^ 
And, tho' Eugenius warn'd him, naught prevail'd^ 
A skirmish «oon ensu'd, when the shrill call 

S300 Of boatswain's pipe, resounded thro' the hallj 



ESSAYS AT POETR?. T9 

Prophetic of poor Bill's impending fate. 
If now he fail'd to make good his retreat : 
For one was the young Murray, in disguise, 
Who Harris knew, and deem'd him lawful prize, 

Eugenius, finding all his efforts vain, 
To save his comrade — sought the brig again : 
For prudence whisper'd, that he too might share 
A birth on board the British ship of war. 

But, what was his surprise, and cordial joy, 

\5310 To hear Bill soon sing out: ''The brig, ahojl' 

*' Help me aboard ! here 's Murray^s men in 

chase ! 
" Quick — let me down into my hiding-place !" 

Promptly to aid him did Eugenius fly. 
And lodg'd him safe from every stranger's eye. 
Scarce was he moor'd, ere his pursuers came, 
Hail'd the old brig — en-fiuir'd the captain's name? 
And eagerly demanded, if he knew, 
That there was one of the Bellona^s crew 
Secreted with him ? whom they came to take ; 
23^0 And hop'd he 'd suffer them strict search to make. 

With mien polite, and language unreserv'd, 
Maxwell on deck receiv'd them. Wine was serv'dj 
And free permission granted them, to search 
Throughout the brig, for Bill's well cover'd lurch. 
But all in vain : Nought had they, for their trou- 
ble! 
In truth, they saw too much — for they saw double ! 

Thus much for Harris now: perchance his name 
Again may grace the Poem; and his fame 
With that of our Eugenius, travel down, 
x!330 Thro' Time's long vista, till immortal grown! 
And why not — gentle readers? Things as strange 
Have come about: Dame Fortune 's fond of 

change ; 
Frem Genius oft withholds the meed of merit^ 
Aad gives it to mere numscuUs to icherit* 



m ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Bavius and M^vius— -maugre all their lead — 
Thro' Virgil's spleen, are rescirtl from the dead; 
So too, some cis-atlantic's Pope's critique. 
May grant your Bardie — an immortal kick! 

But of this more anon. Jamaicans isle 
2340 x\waits the brig, and claims the seaman's toil. 

Her anchor v/eigh'd, and flapping canvas spread. 
To the fresh breeze; Susanna leaves her bed: 
Her issue staunch'd, and heal'd her broken nose, 
Once more the furrow'd main advent'rous plows 
Some days uninterruptedly she jogs, 
Save that her sides old Neptune sometimes flogs ; 
Indignant at her lazy, snail-like course, 
Surpass'd by ev'n a go-to-meeting horse. 

But dangers worse than shipwreck now appear! 

yS50 Fleet in pursuit, is spi'd a privateer. 

With all sails set, and twice twelve sweeps beside. 
Full mann'd, advancing o'er the billowy tide: 
Till vnthin hailing distance closely brought, 
Her bow-gun sent the brig a whizzing shot, 
Of awful import full. Maxwell alone 
Seem'd cool and dauntless: he with manly tone, 
Order'd the sails aback, to meet that fate. 
Which seem'd inevitable: But the mate. 
In happy moment — as by Heaven mov'd, 

3';60 Propos'd a desp'rate scheme — but half approv "d; 
This was, a warlike attitude to shew. 
To put about, and meet the bloody foe ! 
^ We 're gone,' said Maxwell, 'you may use your 

pleasure, 
(■ I fear not for myself'— this — this dear treasure-!' 
(Clasping his lovely consort to his breast,) 
^ Were she but safe, 1 'd hazard all the rest.' 

As one in apathy Eugenius stood^ 
Of terror void, as sculptur'd stone or wood| 
Himself forgotten, Maxwell's tender wife 

i2370 Most cUim'd his fears: To guard her valued life 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 8! 

Was his chief hope. Both were to him endear'dj 
Bj ties of purest friendship — both rever'd; 
Yet the suspended balance most inclin'd, 
To woman's worth witli helplessness combin'd. 
But not by human arm, deliv'rance came— 
'Twas wrought, thro' simple means, by Pow'r 
Supreme. 

Prompt, at the word, the brig her broadside 
threw, 
Menacing what she would — but could not— -do c 
For, all the instrumeuts of death on board, 
1>80 Were, two horse-pistols and a rusty sword ! 
E'en less had done: The panic-stricken fee 
Made oil as speedily as lie could go; 
Leaving his prize triumphant to proceed, 
And wonder at her own advent'rous deed! 
And more at her escape — so like a dream — ■ 
Hopeless— yet realiz'd, thro' aid of Him, 
Who, by the rustling of a leaf alone, 
Hath conq'ring hosts into confusion thrown! 

Yet did the foe, like old Apollyon 
'oOO Altho' repuls'd, return and follow on. 

At cautious distance, under shade of night. 
Directed by the binnacle's faint light; 
Which, while it serv'd the brig her course to steer, 
Caus'd her small crew renew'd alarm and fear: 
For lo I ere the next morning peep of day. 
The privateer close on her starboard lay. 
Eugenius, at the helm, had first espied 
The fell destroyer dodging alongside; 
And forthwith gave three knocks upon the deck, 
'400 The Captain from his slumber to awake. 

Maxwell in haste ascended, somewhat fir'd 
At being rous'd ; and of the cause enquir'd. 
This, by Eugenius, in low voice, was shewn, 
For to the rest he 'd not yet made it kRpwii, 



n ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

No TIME was lost : all hands were order'd out 
And Maxwell thunder'd his commands about; 
As if preparing a tremendous blow, 
That should annihilate the daring foe. 
This second stratagem successful prov'd ; 
.^410 Again th' impending danger was remov'd; 
And ere 'twas light enough, a face to see, 
Fear caus'd the wary plunderer to flee, 
No more Susanna's quiet to molest: 
Such was of Providence the high behest! 

On ! there 's a cherub guarding land and deep, 
»« Whose eyes nor slumber know, nor eyelids, 

sleep;" 
Who hears, with equal ear, the cries of all. 
From humble tar, to lofty admiral : 
Whose word resistless, legions can controul, 
14:20 Ev'n by a " sparrow," hurl a '' hero's" soul 

From its strong fortress, and whose blasting 

breath. 
Doom all his glory to ignoble death ! 

Thus rescued — for her port, she bore away, 
Encount'ring nought her wonted speed to stay; 
Save that, while cruizing o'er the Atlantic main. 
A British ship of war, the Sovereign, 
Espied, and with her thunder brought her too, 
Enquir'd her destiny — o'erhaul'd her crew. 
Then left her safe her voyage to pursue. 



} 



2430 Jamaica's isle now looms upon the sight, 
And fills Eugenius' bosom with delight: 
More near, more clear, her oval surface now, 
Her verdant vale, that skirts the rugged brow ; 
Where mount o'er mount in steep progression rise. 
Till lost the cloud -cap'd forest in the skies. 

Along her northern coast Susanna rode. 
Where trading towns, like neighb'ring bee-hives^ 
stow'd. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY, 8? 

At tempting distance from the dashing Main^ 
Vie with each other for commercial gain, 
In fragrant spices, coffee, and of cane 
7440 The luscious extract — all the price of blood. 
And tears of man — the image of his God ! 
Of man, by man enslav'd, whose only crime. 
An ebon skin ! adapted to his clime, 
"With equal wisdom and paternal care 
Of Heav'n, as his, who boasts a skin more fair 
For these are barter'd, what the teeming soil. 
Of surplus yields to freemen's honest toil ! 

And now the brig, within three leagues of shore 
Had run ; 'twas at the hour of six, or more, 

:3450 After meridian, and the orb of day 

Was hast'ning down his purpled western way: 
The crew, with anxious gaze beheld the strand : 
But cautious Maxwell fear'd as y«t to land ; 
Lest hidden rock, or dang'rous shoal unseen. 
Might risk Susanna's precious freight again. 
Besides, what added somewhat to his fears. 
Was, that he had not for some twenty years, 
Touch'd at Jamaica, therefore scarcely knew, 
Whether the harbour nearest to the viev/, 

?2460 Were Rio Bono nam'd, or Martha Brae$ 
Nor could he know till next returning day: 
For of the two, the latter he preferr'd. 
But here Eugenius hazarded a word : 
* Suppose the yawl were sent ashore to know? 
« There 's time sufficient: I for one will go ! 
« Who, (cries the captain) ventures next, my boys? 
*I, sir!' the hardy Harris prompt replies, 
And soon the needful complement of four, 
Their service volunteer'd, to row ashore. 

1470 Forthwith the pigmy sea boat is rig'd up; 
All take of apple jack a hearty sup; 
And, swallowing a luncheon, leap aboard, 
And dip their feath'ring oars with one accord. 



84 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

The wave, full fathom high, they skim along, 
Encourag'd by the cockswain's cheering sono. 
Now mounting on the mimic sea, and now 
Their nodding caps but just discern'd below. 
The yawl, long while swung trp, for want of use. 
Gallops the trackless sea, like colt let loose; 

2480 Rejoicing in her element to lave. 

And roll her sides upon the soft, green wave. 

At length the dusky ev'ning lowers down, 
And threatens darkness ere they reach the town. 
Some jutting points of land next intervene, 
And from their view the wish'd-for harbour skreen. 
Their strength ill husbanded, and ardor fail ; 
Glad w ould they barter oars for one tight sail ! 
But they are in for 't, and full well they know. J 
That more than wishing yet remains to do — ' 

2490 They breathe — and then their dubious course i 
pursue. ^ 

Benighted now, they ply the random oar. 
And at each stroke, they sigh to reach the sliore. 
Th' obstructing points now doubled, there appears 
A lonely light which with fresh vigour cheers. 
' Yet half an hour, my comrades, bear a hand ! 
« We 'II soon run up the yawl upon the strand : 
^ Hurra I hurra!' the vet'ran Harris cries, 
•Hurra! again,' each one in turn replies, 
' Heave, and away she goes' — But soon the shod, 

2500 Of luckless yawl against a coral rock : 
Their hope reverses — paralyzes pow'r, 
And mocks the effort of each laboring oar ! 

As on a pivot, wheels the gidily boat, 
No fulcrum near to prize her from the spot. 
Thus balanc'd, all' await the threat'ning doom. 
All are enshrouded in terrific gloom — 
E'en fearless Harris dreads a wat'ry tomb! 

But why should narrow -sighted man despair 
When Deity avers, that not one hair, 

2510 Unnumber'd decks the helmet of the mind 5 
Kor leaf unheeded trembles to the wind I 



} 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 86^ 

At this dark juncture, helpless and alone, 
Help, unexpected, comes, when hope is gone s 
For human voices now salute the ear. 
Traversing darkness, and dispelling fear: 
The source invisible, or so obscure, 
'Tis just like twilight moving along shore. 
In form and size of Droger. Oft they hail 
Th' approaching phantom, and at length prevail. 
2520 For now the trading boat, whose cautious crew 
Had fear'd to answer, ventur'd to come too ; 
And timely the desired aid extend — 
When soon their terrors and their labours end ! 
Hunger, and thirst, and weariness, demand^ 
That instant they secure the boat on land ; 
And stagger to an open inn, hard by, 
"W here their imperious wants they may supply, 

Arriv'd, they enter, and next overhaul 
Their pockets, where the needful cash ran small. 
^530 None but Eugenius had a single sous, 

And what, with fifty cents, could four men do ? 
Why, they could drown their cares in lethean rum^ 
And go on tick for eatables to come. 
This was concluded on, and down they sat, 
And swigg'd, and talk'd of something good to 

eat. 
But, ere 'twas order'd, they inform'd the host^ 
Of their true state, and that whatever cost 
They might be at, they could not then repay 5 
But thought the captain would be in, next day, 
^540 And, doubtless, would remunerate in full. 

For what they so much needed. But with coo!. 
Unfeeling manner, and contemptuous tone, 
He bade them pay the reck'ning, and be gone 5 
Or lie on the piazza, if they chose, 
But not within his house to shew their nose. 

• Damn your piazza and yourself!' said Billj, 
"Who by this time had had of rum his fill, 
* Eugenius! pay the churl, and let 's be off — 
*> I '11 mark ^ou, honest landsman — that 's enoagh!^ 
1 



86 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

2550 Eugenius, disappointed, paid the score. 

And with his comrades, spurn'd th' inhospitabU; 

door. 
With sleep beset, they to the yawl repaired, 
Capsiz'd her, and by props one side uprearM ; 
Thus meanly shelter'd from the noxious air, 
They revelPd, till daylight, on — Sancho's fare. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. ^7 

BOOK IX. 



OFTliad the 2LIIK10US Ma^welL restless, stepp'd 
Susanna's deck — and constant vigil kept; 
Till ev'ry beam of day had sunk and gone ; 
And long, and oft, the brig lay oflf and on, 

:'560 With light at yard-arm; till exhausted hope, 
Succumbing, in despair he gave them up: 
But, ere the day had scor'd the hour of ten, 
His straining eyes beheld the vent'rous men, 
Striving, with remnant strength, the waves 

among, 
To urge the lilliputian boat along. 
Instant he bore toward the precious speck. 
And hail'd the weary mariners on deck ! 

To numerous questions Bill made one reply : 
^ My noble captain, ask us by and bye ; 

1570 * But let 's have something for our stomachs now, 

* An't please your honor — any thing — a cow — 

* With apple jack for gravy, if you please; 

< And then we Ml sing, ' the dangers of the seas :^ 
« Not that I 'd give a saucy answer — oh no ! 
^ But we 've all had enough of Rio BonoJ' 
<«Tir'd nature's sweet restorers," beef and 
bread. 
And " gusty" rum, and welcome hammock bed, 
Had now made full amends for recent waste ; 
When Bill amus'd the captain, to some taste, 
? 580 With all the haps and hazards that befel: 
All which, the Bard hath just essay 'd to telL 
Eugenius pond'ring sat, till all was o'er, 
Resolv'd, such folly to repeat no more ! 

The brig, meanwhile, progressing on her way. 
Had safely made the port of Martha Brae. 
But no encouragement her bulk to break; 
Here off'ring, Maxwell had his mart to seek. 



88 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Where late Eugenius, Bill and Co. had far'd 
So hospitably, as just now we 've heard. 

£590 Here, at convenient hour arriv'd, and moor'd. 
Enquiring planters soon appear'd on board ; 
Of these, the over-prudent host was one, 
Who by Biugenius and his friends was known. 
And not a little was the man surpriz'd, 
To find himself so quickly recognized ; 
And not a little were his feelings bruis'd, 
When to Eugenius he was introduc'd : 
Who fail'd not to commend him in a jest, 
For his humanity to tars distress'd. 

f2600 Bill, from the forecastle, espied * the lark,' 
And itch'd to plant between his eyes, a mark ; 
But soon th' unmanly sentiment he curb'd, 
And Stevenson departed, undisturb'd: 
Yet not ere full apology he made. 
And mark'd respect unto Eugenius paid 5 
By formal invitation to a ball, 
Next ev'ning, at his richly furnish'd hall. 

This was accepted — Numine magistri— • 
And claims some little room i' the history : 

^610 Check shirt and canvas trowsers now were 
seen. 
To yield to long tacks, brushM up nice and clean. 
His coat of blue, with gilded buttons shone; 
W^hite kerseymere his vest, as soft as down ; 
Tight pantaloons, silk hose and pumps, adorn'd 
His agile limbs, in neat proportion turn'd ; 
His face and hands, by slush and soap made fair; 
And nicely queu'd and powder'd was his hair. 
A beaver his tarpaulin hat supplanted. 
And Maxwell's purse supply'd the cash he wanted. 

£620 Thus rigg'd, and with full freight of self-conceit. 
He sallied forth, to try the skill of feet; 
And charm the nymph — most favour'd of them 

ail! 
Whose partner he should be, at the said ball. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. m 

Essay we now, imprimis, to pourtray, 
In lines of beauty, (as we artists say,) 
The splendor of the scene that met his view; 
And of the dramatis personag too : 

A spacious room, about six fathoms square, 
With windows well disposed for current air, 
'130 Lofty, and furnish'd — ev'n to fulsome waste— » 
With dainties suited to West Indian taste; 
Was the elysium whither now he hied, 
Brave Maxwell, and his lady, side by side. 
Some twenty planters with their twenty dames, 
(The Poet would — but can't recal their names,) 
Array 'd in all the elegance and show, 
That haughty lordlings wring from human woe : 
Were usherM in, and in due time made known, 
To the three strangers, almost one by one. 
2640 "What bowing, scraping, curt'sying, was there! 
What screw'd-up features — ^attitudes most rare! 

The ceremony o'er, each honourM guest, 
On chair or sofa sought some moments' rest; 
While wine, and punch, and gin, came on apacCj 
By Ethiopian's borne, in native grace. 
Like beauty, unadorn'd ; where ev'ry part, 
Shone, undisguis'd by sempstress' subtle art: 
Save that each Venus, round her ebon waist, 
W^re skirted girdle, in Circassian taste ! 

2650 Now tamborins and banjoes silence bi^ak. 
And loud the spirit-stirring fiddles squeak! 
Forth from their seats, the music-quicken'd host. 
Elated spring — and in the dance are toss'd ! 
A sprightly dame, Eugenius leads along, 
Than whom less fair might claim the deathless 

song 
Of Pindar Wolcott, or of Pander Moore, 
Who could begrime a saint, or deify a w — e. 

CoTiLxioNs, c< untry dances, jigs^ and reels, 
Successive, call'd forth some new sleight of heeiss 
12 



90 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

S660 Till wearied nature, satiate and sore, 

Th' orchestra silenc'd, and resign'd the floor. 

Some gallantries, of course, at length ensu'd, 
Which our fastidious Yankees might deem rude; 
And which our hero, when by years matuf'd. 
Chose rather to suppress, than to record. 

Thus pass'd the night of toilsome joy away; 
And not less toilsome was the coming day : 
For, after his short nap, it so turn'd out, 
That the gay landsman had to put about; 

S670 Resume tarpaulin, and his shipmates aid, 
Susanna's freight to land, and to re-lade. 

Less soft, forsooth, than his late partner's hand 
Were butter kegs and barrels; whilst to land, 
Waist deep, he roll'd them: and to4iis nice ear., 
Less musical, the voice of wharfinger, 
Of merchant, or of mate ; than violin. 
Or banjoe sweet, or tinkling tamborin ! 
T' obey the orders of the mate on board. 
Or beck, ashore, of many a petty lord ; 

S680 Was now his duty : and tho' 'gainst the grain, 
'Twere folly, or to flinch, or to complain. 

Alternate, thus, his sports and labours lasted. 
Some weeks; and frequently th' extremes he 

tasted. 
Of hauteur and politeness, in excess, 
Strictly proportion'd to his varied dress. 

Pope, when he wrote this line, must have been 
mellow : 
c- Worth makes the man, and want of it, the- 

fdlow''-^ 
Or, folks of old lackM sense, if we may guess 
By that fam'd Poet's Essay: since 'tis dress ; 
0590 Nem. con. that now doth constitute the man; 
Let Pennsylvania gainsay, if she can J 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 91 

True— in the infancy of this proud state, 
When saucy rebels railM with causeless hate, 
Against 'great George the king;' and madly 

thought. 
Equality of rights but cheaply bought 
With blood, — =and that the only Loud of all 
Ne'er ordain'd man his fellow to enthrall ; 
Some would-be wise ones were of Papers conceit. 
And trampled dress and sceptres under feet 1 
';2rOO Such was old Ben the printer^ and a few, 
W^ho, like himself, had nothing else to do : 
But, as great Horace said (my brother chanter!) 
Those days are over — ' Tempora mutantur.' — 
Worth, now retiring, yields to nobler wealth, 
And seats of honour are obtain'd— by stealth ! 

Hail ! patent, labour-saving, men-inach"nies 1 
Wliose gilded genius scorns all simple means. 
By plodding honesty, and merit stale, 
Of old employ 'd'—Ye self-created — hail ! 
2710 Who, skipper like, can vault into the air, 

From putrid source — e'en to the envied chair 
Of government; or war's wild vent'rous car 






The lonely footman needs must sometimes 
whistle. 
Or step aside to pluck — if but a thistle; 
Thus, care beguiling, he his wearying load 
Forgets awhile, then fresh resumes the road : 

And thus do we, and take Eugenius up, 
WHiere we just left him — sipping of the cup 
Of bitter-sweet — the medicated potion ; 
:2r^0 Which mankind, ev'ry where, on land and ocean. 
Loath and desire by turns; yet cannot want J 
Indigenous to ev'ry soil, the plant; 
Which, to decoction or expression, yields 
Its tonic virtues. Ev'n in sterile fields, 
The poor may gather, for domestic use, 
A quantum s?i^c?'if"-without abuse. 



d^ ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Now — simile aside — we briefly say, 
The hour arrived, for liorne to bear away: 
Sweet home ! The storm-worn sailor's polar starl 
:w"30 The patriot soldier's requiem, When war 
His breath exhausted, lays the clarion by. 
And turns from human carnage with a sigh ! 

For now, secure within Susanna's hull 
West India's luscious produce, to the full 
Was stow'd ; and sweethearts duly kiss'dj and 

paid 
All landlord'^s scores; and pond'rous anchor 

weigh 'd ; 
Propitious breezes wafted her along. 
Her white wings flapping to the spriteful song, 
i)f Harris, who well skiiPd in Dibdin's lore, 
";40 Oft Erin's wild, sweet, melody would pour, 
Through ' words as fitly spoken' as e'er Bard 
Compos'd, or patriot Briton ever heard ! 

Few were the incidents requiring note, 
Till Providence convoy 'd her to the spot, 
Whence boreas blew her, some five months before. 
And tiU^ with bounding bosoms, hail'd the shore I 

Expectant here, their friends were ready 
rang'd, 
And now the warm embrace was interchanged ; 
And odd salute, and cordial shake, went round ; 
ilToO Whilst with the can of flip their joys were 
crown'd. 
Maxwell's belov'd, now hasted to impart 
New life unto her aged mother's heart; 
Which oft with palpitating fears had' beat: 
For of no common love was her's the seat. 
Eugenius, by permission, rigg'd him up. 
And, pledging Harris in another sup 
Of lively flip ; betook him to the spot, 
(Which, it is hop'd, the reader han't forgot) 
Where prudent aunty, and her smiling niece, 
-2700 Were still presiding o'er th' abode of peace. 



ESSAYS^^T POETRY, 93 

Here, 'twould have tickled some to see the fus;?^ 

Eugenius made ; for, sailor like, a buss, 

He needs must have from both ; and sore the. trial ! 

But auntj, finding he M have no denial; 

E'en suffer'd patiently, in innocence : 

Then mildly reprehended the offence. 

Not so did cousin — she with smirking air, 

A corner occupied, and rais'd a chair 

Defensive; but soon yielding to the foe, 

2770 Impress'd a kiss — while mumbling, ' let me go !' 
But diff 'rent the effect on each, he reads, 
As wonted calm unto this storm succeeds: 
Aunty — scarce willing to believe the fact; 
Cousin — not loath, another to have smack'd, 
Sooner than let him off to sea again. 
But, Bardie I why tell tales ? Thy pen refrain 5 
Lest some indignant maiden pull thy hair. 
Or — what were quite as bad — thy Poem tear : 
Thy unique Poem ! which hath cost such pains, 

SrSO And rack'd, so oft, thy scantiness of brains : 
That — once this Herculean labour o'er — 
Thou scarce will venture on a Foem more ! 

To all the num'rous queries now propos'd, 
Eugenius to them, in detail, disclos'd, 
Whatever most convenient he deem'd ; 
Or what to him most entertaining seem'd : 
Till the late hour arriv'd, when downy bed. 
Invited to repose, his weary head. 

Not half so sweet as on matrass, his rest ; 
'■2790 From habit he had learn'd to love it be^t : 

Some sleep, at broken intervals, he 'd catch, 
And, as at sea, bounce out, at ev'ry watch; 
But finding his mistake, return again : 
Thus did the habit, for some nights, remain. 

When settlement, at length, was fluly made 
"W ith Jlaxivell; and the balance to him paid ; 
(For he had overdrawn his wages, some !) 
Eugenius visited his native home. 



94 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Enjoy'd the scenes of Lancaster once more; 

f!800 Tracing his well known haunts of pleasure o'er. 
His listening friends, with wonder heard the 
tale 
Of his adventures — How he 'd seen a whale ! 
And all about the shipwreck ; and much more, 
Than some had ever heard or seen before : 
Yea, more than some believ'd ; for when he came 
To tell about the Privateer—^ For shame !' 
Said one — ' Eugenius ! that 's a lie ! 
' 1 can't, nor won't believe it.' * No, nor I,' 
Repeated two or three — « Believe, or no : 

2810 'I tell you,' said Eugenius, ' 'twas e'en so. 
« Had 1 the log-book here, I 'd prove it too. 

Now, gentle reader! think not that the youth 
Turn'd fool, because they doubted of its truth; 
Since, to himself miraculous it seem'd; 
As to the captive Israelite, redeem'd* 



,.} 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 



BOOK X, 



To OTHER theme, the muse her vot'ry bend,-^ 
He bows obsequious, as her aid she lends; 
Re-dips his pen, re-" rolls his frenzied eye," 
Gazes at nothings flitting thro' the sky 5 

28£0 'Till fancy, all creative, give the form 
And feature to imagination warm, 
Or faithful mem'ry, by electric spark 
Reviv'd, bid facts, long moulding in the dark% 
Come forth successive, and in order stand, 
While cuU'd and coupled by his skilful hand* 

Eugenius now the fair Hygeia lures 
To wonted toils; but long the youth demurs ; 
For ocean'' s bosom heaving with the storm, 
And seaman's hardship, pleasure, and alarm, 

^830 His youthful heart had willing captive made^ 
And cast all terrene objects far in shade. 
But friends entreated, and he lent an ear^ 
Cast off the sailor, not without a tear; 
Resum'd the student's unattractive gown^ 
And with his last preceptor sat him down. 
Here, o'er his books, in dull, reluctant mood, 
He forc'd upon his mind the tasteless food, 
By Haller, Cullen and Monro prepar'd. 
Those sons of science, by the wise rever'd ; 

2840 "Who better knew than did Eugeniirs, the7i^ 
The sterling value of those first of men : 
Or whiles, but seldom, would the youth appear 
At lectures, fVistar^ Kuhn, or Rush^ to hear. 
But nought his heart engag'd with more delight^ 
Than did the orgies of the sons of night. 

Barton, his wand'rin^ view'd with jealous 
eye, 
Oft urg'd him with fresh ardour to applj 



96 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

His vacillating energies, and strove 

To wean him from each dissipating love. 

2850 But vain his care: the self-deluded youth, 
Regardless of each monitory truth. 
Thus taught, or from experience learn'd before. 
Gave the loose rein to appetite impure. 
Yet did his vanity indulge the hope, 
That the professors all, would take him up 
For honours diplomatic, when the spring, 
I^ow hast'ning on, the candidates should bring : 
Of this the Dean he notified, who star'd. 
Well knowing what would be the just award ; 

S8G0 For, in those days, nor private pique, nor fee. 
Avail 'd to hinder, or procure, Degree. 
Than vanity, one other motive, too, 
Potent alike, impell'd him thus to do; 
For funds, diminish'd, and the source near dry. 
Refused his wants factitious to supply ; 
In unexpected hour, Eugenius' name 
Was by the Dean announc'd, whose messagf' 

came, 
Like summons by a bailiff, much too soon^ 
Requiring him, at four that afternoon, 

£8rO To meet the Faculty^ in dread array 
Assembled to decide his destiny. 

Improvident Eugenius I had he known, 
Two days before, how matters would have goti*^^ . 
He, surely, the precaution would have taken. 
To stand somewhat preparM— and sav'd his bacon- 
At least from so much sweating, smoking, roast 

As left the wight no ground at all for boasting : 
For (unless fame be given up to lying) 
The simpleton with Wescott had been vying, 
S880 During two revolutions of the earth. 

Without remission, in lascivious mirth. 

In brief, the Bard, as bound in truth," must say 
Eugenius came oif, second best, that day, 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. §? 

Yet \Titli kind counsel of the Dean sincere. 
To bend his mind to study, one more year. 
This counsel of the friendly Dean, he kneWj 
Was such as well applied—and felt it too-" 
But the dire goddess, hight, Necessity, 
Who in her visits was by far too free ; 

'■'^GO Gave him a jog, and urg'd him to reject 

Th' advice of JVoodhouse, but with due respect j 
And seek a distant village, as the field, ^ 
Svhere labours medical, support might yield. 

Soon as affairs were righted, he withdrew 
West of the city, Middletown to view ; 
If haply, there, he might put up his plate. 
And as M. D, Vv'ithout diploma, wait 
Mis- fortune's mother^s call, who thrice, 'tis saitlj 
Knocks at man's door, whatever be his grade, 

S910 A vacant pffice, near the centre square, 

Was treated for, and soon he anchor'd there. 

Anchored! Well said ! This leads the Bard awaj; 

For a few moments, just in time, to say, 

That had Eugenius ventur'd out again, 

With Maxwell, to be toss'd by wind and maio^ 

Or to more ruthless picaroon expos'd, 

This nonpareil performance might have clos'dj 

Void of that incident, which he Ibresees, 

Must, ultimately, all his patrons please ! 

^2920 Hem ! — " Vanity of vanities !"• — with face 
Of hypocritic sanctity and grace, 
Exclaims some " one of us,^^ whose prudish minil^ 
W^ithin the boundaries of self confin'd ; 
Or placing Elwood as the pink of merit; 
Shuns this, with true *• vex-a-ti-on of spirit,'^ 

But, let the Bard his moral not forget, 
While squirting thus his verjuice in a pet; 
He meant t' impress those readers who have sens©; 
With one more proof of benign Providence, 

3930 Here, for six months, successfully he spedj, 
When a designing quack, to weaving bred^ 
K. 



96 ESSAVS at poetry. 

Jealous of rivalship so near his stand, 
(Some eight miles off) Eugenius* ruin plannM 

Pretending to retire from the toils 
Of practice, with sufficiency of spoils ; 
His friendly aid he to Eugenius ofter'd, 
And introduction to his patrons proffer'd. 

The unsuspecting youth, by guile o'ercome. 
Consented to vacate his little room, 

2940 At Middletown, and seek the inviting village. 

Where Textor Celsus, had grown rich by pillage: 
The quack, meanwhile, on friendship pure des- 
canted, 

I And soon gave proof, for he the dupe supplanted. 
But ere to Middletown we bid adieu. 
The Bard presents his patrons with the clevv 
Of finest texture, in the plaided life 
Of young Eugenius: for his futui-e wife, 
By Providence allotted, there he saw, 
And lov'd — obedient to celestial law. 

S950 ' Twas not the beauty of her form or face. 
Tho', as to these, few did the maid surpass: 
Kor was it splendid talents, or attire 
Which prompted thus Eugenius to admire: 
In simple innocence, the lovely maid, 
Was with its correspondent neatness clad, 
Unconscious of her charms, just blooming forth 
In virgin sweetness, claiming all their worth 
From innate purity of thought, and will, 
Heav'n-born, and defecate of ev'ry guile. 

2960 In infant years an orphan's haplej«s lot 

W^as hers: But one who oft the cottage sought. 
Of widowhood and lone adversity, 
With heart and hand of pure benignity; 
Found the •' shorn lamb," and in his bosom bore. 
Nurtur'd, and taught in Heav'nly wisdom's lore. 
Of learning she partook but scanty share. 
Yet deem'd sufficient for her future sphere 
Of usefulness, but as the housewife neat 
»She shoae iinmatch'd — in all tilings here, complete. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 99 

'^70 Num'rous the suitors of the damsel were, ^ 
But none, as he, approved. With jealous care 
Her guardian kinsman plac'd his hedge around: 
All thought her habitation holy ground. 
Eugenius might have chosen, it would seem, 
Some loftier object of a lover's dream; 
And so. mayhap, he would, if to the voice 
O^ pride ho M listen'd, ere he made his choice; 
But Providence, Vv'hose fav'ring hand unseea 
Had oft dispos'd his fate, by land and main, 

*80 DesignM her for him, and had told him so — 
And soon Eugenius thought, slxil] felt it, true; 
Yet did the youth's convivial habits prove, 
At length, some barrier to his schemes of love: 
For oft would tidings reach her patron's ear, 
Which chang'd his confidence to boding fear; 
And rival jealousies would oft contrive. 
False coloring to each busy tale to give : 
Ev'n hinfl were current that designs impure 
Had been by him avow'd, and that his lure 

390 Was deeply laid, his, victim to decoy 

From virtue, and to blast each budding joy! 
Rous'd to distrust, and e'en antipathy. 
Her foster father warn'd the youth away ; 
Remov'd hh jewel to a distance thence, 
And turn'd their halcyon bliss, to sorrowing 
suspense. 
INo tie remain'd unsev'red now, and soon 
Eugenius, un reluctant, left his room 
At gloomy Jliddletown, and eastward came. 
To mend his fortune, where the man of fame, 

:)00 Notic'd above, by title of full meaning. 
Had harvested, and left for him a gleaning. 



Hail ! village of Elizabeth, all hail ! 
Thy hills, thy huts, thy barns and inns, prevail. 
With potent charm, o'er the enraptur'd Bard, 
To sound thy name abroad — else never heard-^ 



too ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

Now, with EuGENius, shall thy fame descend 
Secure, thro' time — e'en to the world's last end t 
Yea, dipping thence — if Symmes be in the right, 
Astound each quizzing cctitrdd trogloclytp ; 
6010 Glide thro' the tunnel op'ning to the verge, 
And with new laurels to thy source emerge ! 

Here, midst Germania's plodding sons and 

daughters, 
He sold advice, and medicated waters, 
And pills, and powders ; mended legs and arms. 
And heal'd, or tried to heal, most other harms : 
E'en took Liicina'^s post, and many a wight, 
With true teutonic phiz, he brought to light. 
All this was well enough, and well requited, 
So far as thanks went — but when he recited, 
3020 In black and white, the nature of his trade, 
And that his bounty must needs be repaid. 
In ** money current with the merchant," then. 
Dear! what a pother made these honest men, 
And honest women too, for such were there. 
And to their int'rest true, unto a hair. 
In short Eugenius found great lack of pelf, — 
He wrought some months for nought, and found 

himself. 
Nor would he at this rate have serv'd so long. 
But for one cause, which now, in deathless song? 
G030 Commemoration claims — 'Twas said above, 
That the dear object of Eugenius' love, 
Had from his presence, thro' distrust, been 

hurried: 
But happily, she was not dead, nor buried. 
Now, be it known, that when a month or two, 
They separate had been ; a fam'd review, 
Of soldiery there was at Hummelstoivn, 
(For Euphony the Bard notes this town down^) 
Whither Eugenius, with a chosen band 
Of infantry repair'd, and at command^ 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 10! 

3040 In station of o. fugleman was plac'd, 

Where well his part he play'd, from first to last. 
So, after the fatigue and dust of war. 
He with a friend did to an inn repair. 
And soak'd, with wine, theirwhistles to some tunc. 
Till Mars by potent Cupid was outdone. 
Each did his sweetheart toast, in bumper flowing. 
And each with love's extatic flame now glowing, 
Pledg'd to the other his most sacred word, 
(Tho' none stood by, the contract to record) 
50 That whencoe'er the blissful time should come, 
When either, for a bride should leave his home. 
The other, — be the notice but one day, 
Or distance e'er so great — without delay. 
Would, as the groomsman, bear him company. 

This compact, solemn and sincere, now clos'd^ 
The parties paid their bill, march'd home, and 

doz'd : 
But all remembrance of it, clean escap'd 
From noddle of Eugenius, while he napp'd; 
And possibly had ne'er come back again, 

'3060 But for a few effusions from the pen 

Of his said friend, who bore it well in mind, 
And begg'd that he forthwith might cast behind 
All other cares and bus'ness, and attend. 
Some eighty miles oft', as his right-hand friend. 

Eugenius was at first a'heap with wonder, 
As one in winter, from a clap of thunder; 
But recollection hurried back apace. 
And for excuse, left him no skulking place: 
So, as next day was fix'd upon to start, 

S070 He strove to take the thing in merry part; 

And, though quite unprepar'd, he mounted horse, 
And 'gainst north-west and will, pursu'd hi^ 

course, 
As trusty squire unto his ardent knight. 

'Twas in the depth of winter, when their flight 
They took, and keener winter never blew ; 
But each to his engagement firm and true, 
K2 



102 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Full in the teeth of blust'ring boreas rode 5 
^Til!, on the second night, the warm abode 
Of the fair Dulcinea met their view, 

3080 And soon receivM them to its comforts too. 
Nor were the comforts to Eugenius small, 
E'en one suffic'd to make amends for all : 
For now, to his blest vision, stood confess'd 
His little JEWEL, who, it seems, was press'dj 
As bride^s maid for the hymeneal season ; 
This gives our patrons, for his]oy the reason. 

One busy day was yet to intervene, 
Ere magistrate should bind in one, the twain. 
And ev'ry moment did each well employ, 

G090 In preparation for the hour of joy ; 

Which hour arriv'd, and savv the blissful pair 
Wedded for life. So we '11 e'en leave f/iem thcre^ 
And to Eugenius direct our view, 
Become at once a marriage madbrain too ! 
And now, altho' not quite in wedding trim, 
(As to his vestments) pleas'd him wiih a whim. 
That edge-wise he suggested, when alone 
With Margareta, viz: to eke the fun 
Some little, e'en to compass hymen's altar, 

SlOO A second time, with the first couple's halter. 
This proposition, unexpected quite, 
Caus'd the young innocent a sleepless night, 
And what increas'd her restlessness the more^ 
W^as, that Eugenius had fix'd the hour. 
Of ten, next morning, for her yea or nay; 
Determin'd, if refus'd, to haste away. 
And ne'er again the proposition stake ! 
So, but short time had she the choice to make. 
Short though it was, the reader well may guess, 

SllO That the hour brought the gladsome answer — Yes ; 
Then ere of next revolving day the close, 
That bond united both, which death alone could 
louse. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 1-03 

BOOK XL 



These recent, hasty movements, in the lump. 
Deserve no better name, than, hop, step, jump: 
Nor thought, nor means, in short, scarce any 

thing 
But love and courage, did Eugenius bring. 
To proffer as his fair one's marriage portion ; 
These twain werej^ under Providence, his fortune. 
One blissful week fulliird, he left his bride, 

3120 Sj ed back, a Uttle cottage to providp. 
And furnish, in a style to suit his parse. 
Which, to say truth, did not command the horse 
He call'd his own ; for he was not yet paid for; 
However — he was next to bought— agreed fori 
And, in like manner, trusting for tlie how, 
He purchas'd and brought home, a little cow, 
First having well prepar'd a little stable, 
For making hoise and cow quite comfortable. 
Thus, tho' his little wife then wore no silk, 

3130 He hop'd there would not lack good bread aiul 
milk. 
All these in order set, his wishfol mind 
To her now turns, whom he had left behind 5 
Without whose presence his abode to grace, 
Neat as it was, 'twere but. an empty space. 
But ah ! his ardent wish was now controui'd, 
For Susquehannah^s torrents, strong and bold, 
By rains long pourM from the surcharged sky, 
Had spread a barrier more than high-bank high; 
Whelming, in gulphs impassable, the road, 

3140 Thro' which he needs must pass to her abode. 
Sev'n tedious, lonely weeks, a widower's lot 
Was his, ere priviieg'd to reach the spot 
Where his young bride sat, draining out the cup«« 
Heart-sickening — of long deferred hope.. 



104 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

But anxious doubts, at length, were all dispellM, 
And each fond bosom with new rapture swell'd. 

No long delay succeeds, for soon the raft, 
(A clumsy, broad, unseemly kind of craft, 
ComposM of floating logs, lash'd side by side, 
3150 On which some rough board platforms, long and 

wide, 
Were pinn'd secure, while a huge pond'rous oar, 
Grac'd stem and stern, each thirty feet or more) 
The advent'rous pair was ready to receive, 
With what small knick-knacks their good friends 

should give, 
And bear adown the rapid, dang'rous current 
Of the majestic river, without warrant. 
Or e'en much hope, of landing safe and sound, 
To tenant their awaiting holy ground. 
Yet, down came raft, like porpoise, tumbling o'er 
3160 Weaves, drift-wood, rocks, and whirlpools near 

the shore. 
Till, coaxM by oarsmen's artifice, she popp'd 
^Gainst a soft shelving headland, and was stopp'd, 
Just where 'twas most convenient to debark, 
And the tir'd voyagers forsook their ark; 
And, bag and baggage with themselves well 

stow'd, 
In rustic vehicle, they trac'd the road 
Which to their long-expectant cottage leads. 
Where balmy rest, anxiety succeeds. 
Muitum in jparvo each now finds to do, 
3ir0 And each prepares the duty to pursue 

Which Providence allots : But tho' nor care 
Nor industry were wanting, yet the fare 
Daily procur'd, was but a pittance scant 
Of food and raiment, just next door to want. 
Thus, having fully tested skill and pay, 
'Mongst thankless sharpers, he but stretch'd his 

stay. 
Till, debts and credits balanc'd, he might find 
Elsewhere, what suited more his wants and mind. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 105 

And such, when eighteen months had gone their 
round, 

3180 He, in the village of Columbia found, 

There, 'midst his Friends, his prospects 'gan t© 

brighten^ 
And, day by day, his load of debt, to lighten : 
For, be it known, that pleasure had drawn dry 
His patrimonial fund, ere wedlock's tie, 
And heap'd a thousand dollars on his back, 
O'er and above his means. From this sad wreck 
He now, with some few intermissions, strove 
Industriously to rise : But latent love 
Of scenes convivial, would at times obtrude, 

3190 And lure from scenes of duty, and its good; 
Till the soft, warning voice of friend, or wife 
Would win him back to solid joys of life. 
At times, by strong potations overcome. 
He 'd stagger from the gaming table home ; 
Or, drown'd in lethean stupor, was convey'd. 
Unconscious, to his long-forsaken bed. 
Then, justice, honour, or some higher cause— 
Teacher Divine !*tvvas Thou, whose saving lawSj 
Alas! too oft were by Eugenius spurn'd, 

< 200 Would plead prevailing; and the wand'rerturn'd. 
Alternate, thus, for four long years, he led 
His vacillating dance, and oft his head 
And heart ach'd, sore ; but nought, with per- 
manence. 
Arrested his career, till Providence 
Smote a lov'd child with sickness unto death, 
And seal'd conviction with hin parting breath. 
Awe-struck he stood— -then cry'd — '^Thy Will 

be done" — 
"To save the father, hast Thou snatch'd the son," 
And, what but dispensation harsh, as this, 

i2i0 Harsh only in appearance, could suffice 
The wild voluptuary to restrain ? 
Ne'er, needlesslyj the God of Love gives pain» 



106 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Eugenius, with some libertines, that night 
Onwhich his darling babe expir'd, in spite 
Of conscience, had his character disgrac'd 
By deeds, whose mem'ry ne'er could be effac'd. 
Would that the Bard might blot them with a tear; 
But truth demands a record of them here; 
Tho' Heaven's recording angel may have thrown 

32PjO His mantle o'er them, as if never known. 
. — A handful of the excellent of earth, 
Not such as worldlings deem of noble birth, 
But heav'n-born soul?, by self-aegation taught 
To warn the sinner of the sinner's lot, 
Had, at an hospitable house, conven'd. 
In hope froni rabble insult to be screened, 
While 0i]i''ring vesper sacrifice of pray'r,, 
And praise; or gathering with a shepherd's care 
Such as were straying from the fold of rest, 

3£30 Or, if need were, compelling to be blest. 

Scarce had their pious service been commenc'd 
When Satan, ever at the good incens'd, 
Hiss'd our Eugenius, and some others, on. 
And, *• Methodist," was warrant for their fun. 
Dark was the night, the rain in torrents feU, 
When each, well prim'd, and hors'd, and full as 

well 
By evil instigated, hurried through 
Darkness, and mud, and qualms of conscience too; 
'Till to the consecrated ground arrived, 

3240 There, promptly, schemes of mischief they con- 
triv'd, 
And executed too, with all the skill 
Of those whom Suoty driveth at his will. 
Some sought the still-house, some the oven sought, 
And to their comrades spoil from either brought^ 
Eugenius, while the zealous preacher roar'd, 
And a poor Magdalen was near hitu floor'd, 
Mounting on sturdy peasant's shoulders, bavvl'd 
For " mercy" on her^ or for " fair play" call'd ; 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. lOf 

Or while the multitude in throngs press'd in, 

3i?50 To see and hear their quondam mate in sin ; 

He 'd snuft' out lights, and please him uith tliC 

sport, 
Of blind -bu if, as they fell pell mell — in short— 
Of massy milii-pots he upset a score, 
Then splash'd amid their contents on the floor; 
While Satan quoting Scripture, cryM "how 

funny ! 
^»' See here," '^tlie land thatjioivs with milk and 

honey P 
Yet this quotation from the Sacred "Word, 
Tho' by an evil spirit, like a sword, 
* Pierc'd to the slumbVing conscience, and a voice 

3£60 Now heard — distinctly 'mid surrounding noise — 
'Twas from an aged matron — and in terms 
Of truth, which brought their consequent alarms — 
«^JV*f> Christian^ surely^ could have done this 

deed ! 
" Oh! may he ne^er these wasted blesdngs needP' 
Eugenius, while the matron he admir'd, 
Ponder'd, and biush'd, and tremblingly retired; 
His comrades sought, and soon prevail'd upon^ 
To cease their folly, and with him begone. 
Now hors'd anew, these advocates for sin, 

3^270 The darkness round resembling that within. 
Reckless of danger, at full speed, defi'd 
Trees, gullies, hills, or logs, or aught beside. 
Oft in the race, Eugenius had his knees 
Abraded by the close besetting trees; 
At length, his stumbling palfrey brought him too, 
That is, the rider o'er his head he threw. 
But, tho' the fall was harmless, he was left 
Alone, and of all human aid bereft. 
And fear'd, that e'en his faithful steed had fied : 

3280 But, groping in the dark, he felt a head 

More sound and solid far, than was his own, 
'Twas that of hi;^ staunch friendj who, like a 



108 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Unmov'cl had stood to witness the disaster. 
And, patient, wait the rising of his master, 
Who, gath'ring himself up, to mount essay *d. 
And did so, after some few efforts made ; 
Owning in secret, that it serv'd him right, 
And that he 'd ne-er transgress^ as on that night. 
Nor did he, for as has before been said, 

S290 His favorite child was number'd with the dead 
Ere the next memorable, gloomy morn 
Eclips'd the splendour of young Cynthia's horii. 

He now became reflection's docile son, 
Now reformation was in truth begun : 
Tho' of the glorious Pow'r Divine, who wrougl 
In secret, he as yet but little thought, 
And much less knew. His bottle first was cast 
Into full dereliction ; thus the waste 
Of time and substance, at one stroke was savM, 

3300 Which tliis had oft occasion'd. Having brav'd 
This foe, almost invincible, he next 
A minor foe assailM, who with pretext 
Of innocent indulgence, oft had led 
Him captive, from his duties, board and bed. 
In patriotism's garb; at ball and muster 
Eugenius was wont to strut and bluster, 
And rarely left the ground till dance or song 
Had lengthen'd out the night, if ere so long. 
This pseudo-patriotic enemy, 

5310 Without much trouble, he soon caus'd to flee: 
Then follow'd steady habits at his heels. 
The worth of which none knows, save him who 
feels. 
Things brighten'd on, as time his flight ad 
vanc'd, 
And his kind friends his character enhanc'd, 
By magistrate's commission, from the seal 
Of great M*Kean, then mover of the wheel 
Of government; (than whom as judge supreme, 
Learii'd in the laws, aad^st e'en to extreme , . 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 109 

Not Blacjcstone, Mansfield, Hale nor Coke was 
greater : 

SS^IO Nor could the state require or find a better,) 
In time, by industry, a house he rear'd. 
And dwelt respected there, if not rever'd. 
Yet was there, to his comfort, one alloy ; 
The Bard reminds his patrons, that the bo'j^ 
Had, years agone, ivithout diploma won, 
His duties as practitioner, begun ; 
Now, tho' respectable he was without it. 
Yet, on reflecting seriously about it, — 
So near a-kin to that vile thing — a ^uack 

3330 He chose not to remain; but turn'd his back 
On present prospects of emolument, 
Against all prudent counsellors' consent; 
And to the University repair'd, 
With firm resolve, to bring thence a reward, 
In parchment, sign'd, and seal'd by the same 

men, — 
Worthy of trust — who had refus'd him the Ho 
Great was the sacrifice Eugenius made, 
Dear was the price for reputation paid, 
By five long months of absence from his home^ 

3340 And by expenditures, which years to come, 
In gloomy prospect to his anxious mind, 
Might not redeem, should fortune e'en prove kind 
To crown his present effort with success, 
And, at Commencement, with diploma bless. 
Yet undismay'd, he the ordeal pass'd, 
And, grateful, bore away the prize at last. 

But ah ! the current of Eugenius' life 
Few gentle rippiiugs shew'd. New scenes ot 

strife 
With hidden rocks and adverse winds, await 

3350 His much desir'd return — hurried— but now too 
late. 
A rival, one whose skill, though not profound^ 
Prevail'd to fix hira on the vantage grouudj 
L 



ilO ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Had (and by methods too, more sly than ere 
Eugenius practised, or had been aware,) 
Reduc'd the standard of his hope, as low 
As hope, without a change of name, could go.— 
Short time did he enjoy his own dear dwelling; 
Fearful of debt, he soon resolv'd on selling 
At public auction, what had cost the labour 

S360 Of years. ' Twas knock'd off to a wealthy neigh- 
bour. 
For some six hundreds less than it had cost; 
And the rich purchaser, who made his boast 
Of a good spec upon his kinsman poor, 
Refus'd to grant him a spare pannel^d door^ 
Without a quid pro quo; such avarice 
Eugenius could not gratify, as this. 
In short — a tenement, some ten feet high. 
Just then for sale, and located near by. 
He purchas'd with his small remains of pelf, 

S3T0 ^nd pleased friends most as most he helped himself. 
For many, now, whose words were sweet as honey, 
Fled, when he ask'd of them— a loan of money. 
But one whose visage too forbidding seem'd 
Forjudging him humane, yet whose breast teem'd 
With *'milk of human kindness,''' lent him all 
He ask'd for, and ne'er pester'd him with call 
For reimbursement, till his debtor poor 
Inform'd him, he was ready to restore 
His timely bounty — This, until much press'dj 

S580 He took not back — but dropped the interest. 
Christian ! whate'er be thy sectarian name, 
Out do this, if thou canst: if not, go do the same. 
Prove thus thy Faith by works of Charity^ 
And when a fellow man is seen by thee, 
Dee/per descending as he struggles more^ 
iiend him thy hand — release him — but be sure 
To do it as a Man; nor ask a/ee, 
. For what a JYeufoundland would do for thee, 
And feel repaid, to see thee, rescued, stand^—^ 

3390 Doubly repaid, to lick thy grateful hando 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. Ul 

BOOK XIL 

i^Pioivup-^plow up^thy hearths long fallowed 

ground P^ 
Were words, which now, with clear and awful 

sound, 
Eiigenius heard,— and Providence took care 
To furnish with a keen, overturning share. 
Adversity already had begun 
To loose the stubborn soil ; and now the *< Sun 
Of Righteousness," with heat and light divine, 
Shone in, with pow'r destructive, tho' benign. 
And hidden sins of nature, or of deed, 
^400 Or long matur'd, or potent in the seed, 

Successive, were beheld, and felt, and mourn'dj 
And cast into the oven to be burn'd. 
Yet not without an instrument of clay, 
Was '« Bartimseus" brought to see the days 
A venerable sage, who bore the mark, 
In dress and countenance, of patriarch. 
Or some war-worn apostle of the Lamb, 
To where Eugenius dwelt on errand came. 
Of love celestial, and his flag of peace 
UO Was meekly wav'd beneath a copse of trees, 
« Gainst one of which, whose boujj;hs extended far. 
His temporary pulpit stood — a chair — 
From which, to the assembly rang'd around, 
His gospel trump he blew — with certain sound. 
Eugenius listen'd with attentive ear, 
Elated now with hope, now sunk with fear; 
Whilst Wesleyan Osborne, reason'd, threatened, 

woo'd, 
And won the wand'rer — who confessM his God; 
And straightway, fearless of contempt or loss, 
1^20 EiiroPd himself— a Soldier of the Cross. 



112 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Then were the stones of bigotry and pride 
Hurl'd at him from without, on ev'ry side, 
By all, except one family of Friends, 
Reproachfully call'd "^wafcers," by those fiends 
Of lust infernal, who first tack'd this word 
Appellative, to servants of the Lord, 
The greatest, wisest, holiest, bravest, best, 
That England e'er prod uc'd«— sweet be their rest! 
While Fox, and Barclay, Pennington, and 
Penn, 
S430 All eulogy of verse, far — far transcend ; 

The Bard engraves, with feelings of delight, 
On memory, the much — the iong-lov'd name of— 

Wright I 
Now hedg'd, amid the humble, little flock 
Of Methodists despis'd, he sought the "rock 
«' Higher than he" — and, in gradation found, 
His feet releas'd from Nature's miry ground; 
And thought him bless'd, these Israelites among% 
While pouring from the heart, the Lamb's new 
song! 
Soon,"— and Eugenius ever thought, too soon— 
6440 A leader he was made — e'er yet his moon 
From the great source of Light celestial, 
Did the first quarter of her aspect fill. 
Still onward hurried, an exhorter next 
He stood, when three months old: and took his 

text 
As Treacher licenc'd, when one rapid year 
Had circumscrib'd sol's ardent, lucid sphere. 
Through all these stations, in the humble sense 
Of human frailty, and without offence 
^ forethought i or to God, or fellow man; 
D450 He strove his work to end, as he began: 

And wond'ring, saw his little labours bless'd, 
By gath'ring sinners to the pool of rest. 

And now arriv'd a time, wherein to prove 
Eugenius' faith, and fortitude, and love. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. IIS 

By his superior was appointment made 
"For him to preach, — it dare not be gainsaid— 
At the identical, foremention'd place, 
Where he h\ espos'd himself to such disgrace 
Two years before: but seeing he must go, 
(oO He ventur'd thither, trembling, sad, and slow; 
And found in waiting an assembled crowcf, 
Of whom, on seeing him, some wept aloud 
For very joy, that Jesu's pow'r had reach'd 
One who had scoff 'd him, but whom now lie 

preach 'd. 
Deeply abas'd, he from the sacred Book 
A subject, to his state adapted took; 
* Twas that of the returning prodigals 
Emblem of love redeeming, free to all 
Who see and feel, acknowledge and abhor, 

3470 The lusts which led them from their home afar, — = 
Their Fatlier'^s House — true house of joy, where 

Bread 
Of Life abounds, and where the lost and dead, 
Quicken'd, are rais'd, embrac'd, array'd, and fed I 
Few hearts were there, untouched by fire diving, 
Few eyes, which did not with a lustre shine 
Of softer brilliancy, than ere was seen 
On diadem of Solomon, or Sheba's queen. 

This humbling heav'n-favour'd service o'er, 
The cordial gratulaiions of the poor, 

J480 And of the rich ; the aged and the young. 

Who knew to speak in the true Hebrew tongue 
Were wavM in thankful sacrifice of song. 
Often and varied as these labours were, 
Labours, become delights, jo^t was the care 
Of family, and sick, a duty still, 
Which, well he knew, 'twas just he should fulfil. 
But family increas'd, while business fail'd, 
And tho' 'mid penury, sweet peace prevail'd, 
Yet, as his change of life, had chang'd his friendsj 

3490 (A circumstance which ev'ry change at^endsj 
L2 



] 



tU ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Especially, from life of sin, to good ;) 
He found himself compell'd, in search of food, 
For wife and little ones, and self, to leave 
Friends, who could counsel, more than custom 
give. 
And now, to the metropolis, once more 
He bends his thoughts. — 'Tis easy for the poor 
To make their out-fit, settle their accounts, 
And pocket, of their profits, all amounts; 
So was it with Eugenius: all his stock 

S500 Of household goods and house, with key and lock, 
Of horse and saddle, and of saddle-bags, 
Of gally-pots, of phials, and of rags; 
Outstanding debts— (and some stood out so long, 
That in they would not come, for threat or song,) 
Barely sufficed to clear off ev'ry score. 
And leave— how much think ye? — an hundred? 

more 
Than sixty dollars less, with some few duds 
Of bedding, some few hams, and such like goods. 
These, on a day appointed, were well stow'd 

5510 Into a farmer's wagon ; and the load 

Of precious live stock — wife, and children three. 
Snug as their boding hearts would let them be. 
Was plac'd o'er all; then all, a long farewell 
Reciprocated. — Pray, what next befel? 
Why, next, they enter'd on the road, due east. 
For Philadelphia, with their backs due west; 
But, entering and progressing on a road, 
Are two ; and thirdly, reaching an abode 
Anticipated, shrewdly some suspect, 

G5S0 Is both the end^ and cause, in the e;ffect. 

Thus reason'd Paul, on subjects high above 
Things earthly: ' twas of Heav'n-derived Love 
In act, by men on earth, call'd Charity: 
*' And now abide," (said he substantially), 
*' Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three" in onCj 
^<But in my humble sentiment, there 's none. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 115 

'• Effectually existent of the three, "^ 

*• Till Faith, the end, and Hope, the eause^ [^ 
agree .. f 

'^ To terminate themselves in C/zai'j7z/." J 

3530 If this be true— which doubted is by some — 
Where is the Faith and Hope of Christendoisi ? 
An answer in three words, w^ might compress,-— 
— In men-made creeds — in dress — and in address. 
Christians! pray, do your ivork^&nd tattle less ! 

But to proceed, the coach and two went on 
Without undue obstruction, and the sun. 
Descending, witnessed their first day's rest. 
At Lancaster; where many judg'd it best, 
That our Itinerant Hero should invite 
540 Tiie citizens, to hear him preach, at night: 
This was accomplisli'd, as the people will'd, 
And, in due time, the meeting house was fiird» 
The numerous audience, heard, attentively 
All that he said — and he had much to say — ■ 
But to whose benefit his words were spoken, 
He knew not — yet of peace he felt the token. 
And the warm shake of hand, and starting tear^ 
At close, assurM him that his Lord was there. 
Soon as the opening day succeeding, glow'd, 

3550 The travellers, refresh'd, resum'd the road: 
And, as the teamster — how ?— -the Chainoteev, 
Or coachman — ye may take which comes most 

near — 
As he — (then be it said) — who drove the wagon. 
And own'd it too, had neither fruit nor flagon, 
Wherewith the thirst to quench, or spirits cheer 
Of such as limit their sojournings here, 
To evanescent things of time and space; 
•Yet was a man of intellect and grace: 
Eugenius and his wife, the tedious hour 

3560 Beguil'd, by converse with him, on that powT 
Redeeming, and protecting, which had 4ed 
Each from Egyptian darkness, and had fed 



116 ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

Ev'n in the wilderness, with '^ JingeVs food^^'' 
And could not now forsake — for *'//g is good.'' 
And ever and anon the Hjmn of praise, 
In concord, to the Saviour did they raise. 
And now, the ev'ning of the second day, 
With heavy, threatning clouds-. obscures the v/ay : 
And much tliey wish for suitable retreat, 

3570 Ere a fast gath'ring thunder storm should beat. 
Not on them only, but their little charge 
Of frighted children ; — who scarce dare emerge 
From parent lap, their terror-stricken face: 
But ah! yet some miles distant was the place, 
For shelter most convenient; and the light, "^ 
(Save frequent blaze of heav'ns artili'ry — '^ 
bright, f 

And terribly sublime) veil'd palpably in night.J 
Eugenius, trusting to the faithful care 
Of wagoner, all that he held most dear; 

3580 Hurried ahead, as fast as feet could carry. 
To reconnoitre, tho' oft forcM to tarry 
Till vivid lightning, 'mid appaling crash, 
Should aid him, by a momentary flash 
Of beam sulphureous, haply, to espy 
The path of safety. Now, from sluice on high 
The pelting rain, in streams adown the sky. 
Pours ruthless: when the gladden'd pioneer 
Gains glimpse of hospitable tavern, where 
A room he orders for the coming guests, 

3590 Whom, anxious and with palpitating breasts, 
And dripping garments, he exulting sees. 
Hails, rescues, and at length beholds at ease. 

Refreshed by balmy sleep, and aliment 
W^ell cook'd, and nicely serv'd ; our trav'lers bent 
Their third, and last day's course, propitiously, 
And, ere night-fall, were all rang'd, high and dry. 
In the sky parlour of a sort of Inn, 
Not far from Market-street, nor over clean ; 
And soon as Watts, by searching round aboutj 

:3600 Found two spare rooms, he ferried them all ouU 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. UT 

And thus the little great procession mov'd: 
The maiden infant, and of course most lov'd, 
In father's arms secure, did lead the van ; 
Next march'd the mother, on whose gentle hand 
Hung little fairy daughter, of three years, 
Dancing with innocence devoid of fears: 
While their first born, « a good lump of a boy/^ 
Trotted in reai^, halting at ev'ry toy, 
Or ev'ry novel spectacle, till quite 

3610 Beside himself, and well nigh out of sight. 
The baggage ivagon slowly foUow'd on 
And open'd out its contents to the sun.— 
No great affairs, tis true, my friends; but theOj 
Sjuch " little things are great to little meji." 
Now came the day of reck'ning, — and the 
worse 
On one account — the shallowness of purse — 
Of which the Bard has giv'n his patrons, hint j 
For precious little silver was left in't, 
When freight, tho' not exorbitant, was paid, 

S620 And some essential preparation made. 
For living — rather breathing- — in a city, 
Which more abounds in riches than in pity^ 
Pity we mean, such as Girard is said 
T' have shewn, when Drayman's only horse lay 

dead, 
And crowds of sympathising men stood by, 
Who with the lip of Charity, would cr}^: 
«' Poor man ! I pity him !" — '« Jnd so do J," 
Said this eccentrically humane man, 
*^ Why! if you pity, help him if you cam 
^030 ^^ I pity him so much^^ — and forth he drew, 

And gavf, a gen'rous bounty — '• how much 

your' 
Yet think not that Eugen'ms friendless was — 
Exceptions are there to most gen'ral laws; 
And noble ones he found, when most he needed, 
For when his hope had fail'd, relief succeeded« 



lis ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

In instances, which might to any fool 
Prove that a Providence Divine doth rule. 
A BROTHER, one who merited the name— « 
Ere long, on visit to the stranger, came, 

3640 And, with a delicacy, tone, and smile 

Peculiar, talk'd of passing things awhile; 
Then ask'd Eugenius of his views and meanSj 
And urg'd him, if he ere expected gains 
Professional, to leave his low retreat, 
And choose a more convenient public seat; 
For tyrant custom, to which all must bow, 
Decreed that such as he should make a show. 
Whether they hap'd to have the means, or no. 
Eugenius, in reply, a flat refusal 

3650 Was forc'd to make to the above proposal ; 
Not that he did offend, or was unwilling 
To make the change propos'd — but ev'ry shilling 
Had by this time found exit from his purse. 
And hence, his inability, of course. 

This was no barrier to his friend's intent, 
Who hir'd for him a house, and also sent 
New furniture complete, both great and small, 
For parlour, bed-room, kitchen, and for hall! 
Trusting for reimbursement, till success 

3GC0 In course of time, th' adventurer should bkss. 
Besides all these, when market days came round, 
And nought was in Eugenius' coffer found 
Wherewith he might the needed food procure; 
The gen'rous Beale would share out, o'er and 

o'er, 
W^hat change he chanc'd to have, employed him 

too. 
And did what recommending him could do. 

Eugenius now, unknown^ and yet well known 
By some in affluence, who forgot to own 
Him needy, whom when with abundance bless'd. 

3670 They deem'd their equal, flatter'd and caress'd 5 
Who, at his father^ s hospitable board 
Had found their months of welcome, — In a word, 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 119 

Eiiter'd upon the stage of life anew, 

Sought and obtained new friends, and servM 

them too, 
With zeal ; nor did he cease his God to serve. 
But in His cause exerted will and nerve. 
And Providence, — (to him miraculous.) 
Now rais'd a friend, to whom he 'd been of use 
In spirituals, who loaned, but would have givii-^ 

3680 (Sweet, sympathising, messenger of Heav'n ! 
In loveliest form of female) the full sum 
Hequir'd, to pay for furnishing his home! 
And this, unask'd. and for five years enjoy'd 
From usury free. Of gratitude devoid 
Had our Eugenius prov'd, had not this work 
Commemorated the dear name of Yorke ! 
Yea, doubly dear; for he, whose name she bore 
In sacred wedlock, from his ample store, 
And ample soul, a greater loan bestow'd, 

3690 And without fee. Bless'd*steward of thy God ! 
While yet in widow'd weeds, thy partner moves 
Adown this vale of sorrow ; He who loves 
His likeness^ hath a mansion plac'd for thee^ 
O'erlooking all of frail humanity. 

And thou, unknov/n, but ne'er forgotten, thou 
Of Healing Jlrti Samaritan ! ah ! how, 
In hour of trial such as oft befel 
Eugenius — how knew'st tlioii the time so well— 
So critically, as, when in thy note 

3700 Still well resnember'd — not indeed by rote 
But got by //earf— thou fully didst relieve 
From pressing want? Eugenius' thanks receive, 
Thro' humble Bard. Oh ! amid all these chances^ 
(So call'd by infidels), may thy ''finances," 
Such ebbings, as were oft times his. ne'er kncw^. 
But in one tide, uninterrupted, flow. 
And high enroll'd among hie patrons stood 
A Parrish, Warder, Smith, and ScATTERGeop^ 



no ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

In fine — from motives, which he thought were 
pure, 
3710 But which some husij bodies were quite sure 

Could not so be, from «' Methodist" to ''Friend*' 
He '* chang'd," nor even there inclined to tnCi ; 
But Truth esteeming more than sect cr fdf^ 
From evr>v chose yet move to save himself. 
And found some outside 'Fritml^ suspicious grow, 
When he '' chang'd" '•' thee and thou^'^'' for viilgav 

And turning down the upright cape on coat, "^^ 
He preach'd from Bible, and — ah ! sang hij \ 

note ! r 

Thus turning to his filthy like a poor shoat! I 
SrSO Filth, which not all the Water, Bread and Wine 
Of his new f angled Churchy — did all combine- 
Could ever v/ash av/ay !— •" What takes olt 

THINE ?' ^ 

He saw, — or thought he saw — (to him the same) 
That all of Faith was but an empty name -, 
Of Charity destructive— that each sect. 
The Decalogue o'erlooking, thro' neglect 
Of duties social, had the true key-stone 
Lost, and impos'^d upon the world its own ; 
That, the true characters, long since defac'd 

SrSO By rubbish, were forgotten, and each g'wess'rf ^* 
And the deluded followers received 
As truth, what none could ever have believed. 
Namely, the One creating End to be 
Either a monster, personally three, 
JSach self-existent, and each co-eternalJ 
Deducing thence, doctrines, if not infernal^ 
Yet palpably at variance with sense 
Common to all — the gift of Providence: 
Hence the Socinian faith, and that of Arians^ 

5740 Hence all the tenets of all Trinitarians, 
(More properly tripersonal divines) 
As from one centre flow, in still diverging linesj 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. l:^t 

Or, that the Substance of all substances 

Was nought but " spirit," rather, if you pleasCj 

A mere " ens rationis,^^ about whom 

Nought can we predicate till daj of doom ; 

Hence Atheism, open or conceal'd, 

Hence the despite of heav'ns own Truth reveaPd^ 

In that Most Holy record of the Word, 

S750 Which treats supremely, of the only Lord 
Jehovah Jesus, from Eternity 
Creator; but in time and *' flesh" to be 
Redeemer ; and now glorified, the One, - 
In whom concentred, as a glorious Sun 
Are Love and Wisdom and their Energy, 
Uncreate three in one, and one in threes 
Thus constituting the God Man, who now 
Reigns Potentate : to Him let men and angelr^ 
bow ! 
He saw, moreover, with re-lumin'd eye, 

3760 Jerusalem descending from on high. 
And fixing, on the spot where Babylon, 
(Fall'n — faWn — fall'nI) had maintain-d hev 

throne: 
That New Jerusalem, by John foreseen, 
In vision clear — no veil of flesh between — 
By Jesus promis'd — by His Word foretold — • 
That Word by which He fram'd the worlds of 

' old— 
That Word, of which Creation testifies — 
Whose Holy Transcript, the anointed eyes, 
And ready pen, of Swedenborg, the man 

3770 Divinely taught, and qualified — again 

Hath open'd, by the Key from Heav'n let down. 
New-burnish'd, for alas! 'twas rusty grown; 
This Key, by Correspondenle of each ward^ 
Unlocks the Treasure-house of IsraePs Lord) 
Each chamber enters, can with ease unfold 
To view interior^ the vast stores of gold^ 
M 



123 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

And silver; precious stones, and wine, 
And oil, and corn ; and silk, and linen fine. 
And chariots, with their harness — in a word — 

GTSO What mortal eye ne'er saw, ear never heard ! 

Strange ! that all Christendom should not unite. 
Bj means of Truth's own Key^ to bring to light. 
Those heav'nlj treasures! and more strangej that 

all, 
Should join to vilify, and to miscall 
A Herald, Vv'ho the olive-branch extends. 
And from all infidel attempts, defends. 
With shield impregnable, that Citadel 
Of Truth Divine, which scorns the hosts of he;' 
Did all but love the Truth, as they profess, 

Gr90 And self, and sect, and " orthodoxy" less ; 

The scales, incrusted from their eyes should fall, 
Jesus be hail'd Jehovah, Lord of all ! 

The Muse might long on circumstantials dwells 
But ill it suits each circumstance to tell ; 
Enough, if from his life, the useful pages 
Be copied, for the good of after ages. 
" Of after agesP' — some may sneering, cry: 
'* Yes — after ages" — doth the Bard reply : 
^' Foets, like Critics, all have vanity P 
G800 Yet e'en these Extracts, much the author fears. 
May cost some blushes, for they cost Eugenius 
tears. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY» 123 



XINSS WRITTEN ZN 1818, 

Addressed to a Friend^ -who had frequently requested some 
Verses from the Author. 

Not one of the Nine has for years been to teaze me 5 
Old Pegasus leaves me to foot it along ; — 

Then bow, mj kind friend, can I now hope to please 
thee 
By aught I can scribble in form of a song ? 

A song' — did I say? this wont do for a plain man, 
I dare not attempt one, lest Friends should all know it. 

And to stamp the thing high, would but prove me a 
vcdn man, 
For sure, no pretensions have I as a poet. 

But what shall^ write of? This merits enquiry-— 
Shall wit, or shall beauty, or love be my theme? 

I could jingle on these long enough to out-tire thee. 
And yet after all, I should write but a dream ! 

That ' wit is a feather,' can't well be contested; 

That beauty is only skin deep, His allow'd; 
As to love — the poor fool that with love is infested, 

(I mean what 's so call'd) has no cause to be proud. 

Let my theme, then, be Friendship. When pure, such 
as thine is. 

It has claims of a nature 1 cannot withstand: 
It can rouse all the fire poetic that mine is, 

And force me to rhyme by its potent command. 

On this foot-ball of earth, altho' friendship 's a stranger, 
It may yet be discover'd by those who have eyes; 

But^ as with the heavenly babe in the manger, 
Few stoop low enough to obtain the rich prize. 



124 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Than the finest of gold, is true friendship more precious. 
Than the phcenix (if e'er it existed) more rare: 

Than beauty, array'd in her robe ostentatious. 
And vying with snow, more exquisitely fair. 

As sweet to the trav'ler, when thirsty and weary. 

The cup of cool water, and shady alcove ; 
So sweet to the mind, so refreshing and cheery, 

In this vale of sorrow, the friend whom we love: 

Whose heart, void of guile, is blest sympathy's mansion, 
Whose mind, not uncultur'd, with knowledge is 
fraught ; 

And with wisdom divine, in progressive expansion. 
Receiving the truth which by JESUS is taught. 

With a friend such as this, let the world frown or flatter, 
Let Satan annoy, or our passions rebel 

Against reason's mild sway, 'tis no very great matter— 
For sympathy's magic will break ev'^y spell. 

J]- so great be the pow'r of friendship that's human, 
(And such between David and Jonathan reign'd, 

Exceeding the tender affection of woman) 

How unspeakably precious is Christ as a friend ! 

Behold him, in all our afflictions partaking, 

The man of great sorrows, acquainted with grief; 

Ne'er changing his purpose, nor ever forsaking 
His friends when most needy, or asking relief. 

With the voice, and the look, and the smile of com 
passion. 

He wooes his frail creatures, he bids them draw nigh ; 
Their offences forgives and without reservation. 

Bestows his best gifts on the needy that cry: 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 125 

Yea, Himself he bestows; and to rapt'roiis communion^ 
The soul, once most abject, he deigns to exalt; 

To redeem by bis Word, and in mystical union. 
To the Father present, without blemish or fault. 

iJl for friendship like this, let our praises ascend, 
As sweet incense before him, whilst here we sojourn; 

Soon — soon shall he cause all our sorrows to end, 
And transplant us to — where there is no room to 



UNiJ^S ADDRESSISD TO M, S. K. 1821. 

Poets, dear Mary, are a set 

Of beings nondescript; 
Who write just when they please, and else 

Had quite as lieve be whipt: 

Poets, I mean, of Nature's make — 

Not rhymers, such as I, 
Who with my 13aedalean wings, 

In vain essay to fly, 

Where heav'n-born genius lightly soars, 

E'en to Parnassus' top; 
i^luch less, beyond, as well thou know'st 

Did Milton, Young, and Pope; 

And some few more, whom I could name^ 

And fain would emulate ; 
But for one reason — worth a score— » 

Mine 's a Saturnine pate. 

Remember, too, the adage trite^ 

Vir. one good volunteer. 
Is better far than any two, 

Impel'd by force or fearj 
M 2 



126 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Or ivorried into what they do, 
NVhether to work or /ight ; 

Or, — what is oftimes full as hard- 
Poetic lines to write. 

Now, it may be, my friend may say, 

< So far, so good, what next ? 
^ Come, Doctor, to the point, I pray: 

« 'Tis time to take thy text.' 

Well — to the point then, Mary dear. 

Which text of all thy three 
(Religion, Friendship, Love) suits best ? 

Leav'st thou the choice to me ? 

If so. Religion I shall choose: 

Best gift of Heav'n to man ! 
His only sure preservative. 

Since time his course began: 

'Twas this which bound him to his God, 

When first in Eden plac'd ; 
This warn'd him of the noxious fruit, . 

And bade him — ' not to taste.' 

This was his life^ while firm in faith, 

His will obedient prov'd ; 
But fled when duty he forsook, 

And things inferior lov'd. 

This, hov'ring o'er us, tho' unseen, 

Our hapless state now views ; 
And '» waiting to be gracious," still 

Our wand'ring steps pursues. 

Whispers, and knocks, and wooes, and stiives 

Conviction to impress ; 
Nor leaves till it has clearly shewn 

The wish, and pow^r to bless. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 1^ 

Thrice happy they, who hear and Hve, 

Their cov'nant to renew ! 
And, humbly penitent, enquire — 
\ * What would'st thou have me do?' 

These shall on earth tlieir Eden find. 

And, (ev'ry sin forgiv'n) 
Fulfil, in peace, their task assign'd 5 

Then, joyful, enter HEAV'N. 



TO M? NXEOS. 

What shall T write for my dear little niece ? 

How can I send the girl pouting away ! 
What shall [ bring as an offering of peace ? 

Tell me, ye Muses, do tell me, I pray ! 

None of your ladyships grant me an ear! 

None with a subject my noddle inspire ! 
Hence then, ye gypsies — I want j^ou not here — ■ 

March — to the tune of your own antique lyre ! 

Long might I court, ye still might prove coy: 
Better the fruitless attempt to give o'er; 

Now, independent, my wits I '11 employ — 
Never — no — never— make suit to you more! 

Stay! If ye come of your own free accord, 
Vex'd as I was, ye may enter my cot. 

Nay — I recall the precipitate word — 
Room will be wanting for all — I forgot. 

And since so closely together ye band, 

Loth should I be e'er to part you — shy lasses; 

So I '11 proceed, take what first comes to hand; 
Fix the fleet notion, as by me it passes. 



fas ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

j\ow-"I Ve got hold on 't — and shan't let it gOj 
'Till with a 7iame, and abode I invest it; 

Feaiiess if even a Critic should know ! 

Home is my theme — I have frankly confess'd iu 

Mark the daring sons of ocean, 
Flow they brave the billowy foam ! 

What cahns the wave's tumultuous motion 
Like the witching thought of Home? 

10 those who face the foe in battle, 
What brightens war's terrific gloom. 

When thund'ring Deaths promiscuous rattle: 
But remembrance sweet of Home ? 

Yonder see the peaceful peasant: 

What but hope of bliss to come, 
Mitigates his toil incessant? 

Centered are his joys in Home. 

Dear the relatives who lately 

Op'd for thee their kindred dome; 
But far dearer they who wait thee — 

Long to bid thee, ' welcome Home !' 

Various although the grade and station, 

Wheresoe'er we dwell, or roam ; 
v?avage or civilizM the nation: 

The happiest spot on earth, is Home, 

Ev'n when our earth, to earth returning. 

Seeks the confines of the tomb 5 
Mfope anticipates the morning, 

When our souls shall rest at Home ! 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 1S9 



IMPROMPTU, 

On reading Madam Cantelo's advertisement ^ in Poulsovh 
Paper. 

Madam Cantelo, from Broadway, New York, 
Who has not her fellow in Corsets to work. 

Gives notice to ricketty belles, 
That she brings them a parcel — neat, tasty and strong, 
(Her stay but three days — ah ! would it were long !) 

And by wholesale and retail she sells. 

Then haste to her wareroom, young misses and dames, 
Delay not a moment to give in your names, 

Lest yc all at your leisure should rue it: 
For if your lank sides need her coopering arts, 
Do let her repair them before she departs; 

Perhaps there 's none else that can do it I 



SIMPAOMPTir, 

On seeing the po7npQus Funeral, cf a great man. 

Fictitious woe, in fashionable black. 
Hung round the hearse in graceful negligence; 
While from the heads of relatives and friends, 
And priests, and sextons, hirelings and slaves; 
Ficw'd streams of sorrow^ — aye, some yrads in length! 



130 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

x<x»rss wniTTESf iwr a corir of ths 

NEW TESTAZttENT, 

Presented to one of my Sons. 1824. 

Oh! ^read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest' 
These records, with an humble, docile mind; 

'Tis thy high privilege-t-Heav'ns high behest! 
May'st thou, my son, their latent treasure find. 

Here, thro' the letter's sacred cov'ring, shine 
Momentous truths, and shed their glorious ray 

On eyes and spirits touch'd with love divine— 
Vv'ith God's catholjcon of light and grace. 



ZiINSS WRITTZIN Elf AN AX.5I7BX 

Of one of my Daughters. 

Some strain at gnats, while camels they gulp down. 
At poesy and other arts they frown ; 
Denounce all science as rank heresy. 
And, by their law, its votaries must die : 
Mint, Anise, Cummin tithe with strictest care, 
Know, to a thread, vvhat each one ought to wear; 
Sadden the countenance, and bow the head, 
As if in mourning for religion dead. 
But ah, what sour leaven lurks within! 
Vrhat a huge load of Pharisaic sin ! 
Judgment and mercy they have clean forgot, 
And heav'n-born love and charity shut out. 

Be thou, my daughter, ever kept in awe 

Of Him, who on thine heart imprints His Law : 

"SVhate'er offends against this law of love, 

Submissive sacrifice ; thus shalt thou prove, 

!By blest experience, what is thine to know, 

What thou must cease fromi what He 'd have thee do^ 



ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

Cheerful obey each secret dictate heard, 
And purify thy way, thro' His pure WoiiD : 
Thus, by degrees, made glorious tvithin, 
Thine outside too, shall in His sight be clean. 



IN A BAUGKTZSR'S AI.BUM. 

Pure be the Album of thy tender mind ! 

May light celestial free admission find 5 

IVlay no rude passion ruffle or deface 

The page wliereon Go» deigns His Law to trace 

His Law of Love, of Innocence and Truth, 

Whose deepest impress is receiv'd in youth* 

In silence ponder — unreserv'd obey, 

Whatever thou find'st inscrib'd from day to day; 

So shalt thou be redeem'd from ev'ry sin. 

And realize on earth an heav'n within. 



XNSCRZBZSB IN A DAXJ6HTZ3R S AZiStlM. 

Yon infant, cradled in maternal arms, 
Sips love, while beaming forth angelic charms : 
What is it, that such pure aflfection warms ? 
'Tis innocence — the soul's unsullied Mbum, 

See ! the fond mother, too, while pressing home 
To her soft breast, elate with joys to come, 
The darling pledge of wedlock's happy doom J 
Conjugial lovers inscrib'd upon her Jilhunu 

Soon as the little charge can lisp the name 
Of Love, she suscitates the latent flame, 
Teaches the dear enquirer, whence it came ; 
And how Heav'n makes each docile mind an n^wm* 



132 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

The heav'n instructed child, to virgin years. 
Now see advanc'd. Parental hopes and fears, 
Grow with her growth ; wlrile secret pray'rs and tears. 
Oft flow, that she may keep unsoil'd her Jilbura. 

Awhile she blooms in innocence and peace, 
Fearful to wound the op'ning bud of Grace; 
'Till syren Pleasure's luring voice and face. 
Essay to dim the brightness of her Jllbum, 

With half averted step, and boding heart. 
As loth from Truth's pure dictates to depart: 
She follows Sense^ 'till keen Reflection's smart, 
Haply reminds her of her slighted Mhum, 

Thrice bless'd ! if now the wanderer retrace 
Her way, and seek again her resting place ; 
Lest, in the stead of her departed Peace, 
She find but remnants of a tarnished Mhum ! 



IK THE ALBUM OP M2SS S-N E-B-.F-B„ 

For friendship, warm and lasting, wast thou form'c! 
Dear maid : ' twould seem as if no act of thine. 
Or wish encourag'd, ever yet had marr'd 
The impress of that Hand that moulded thee 
In Charity's fair image. Thy '* dove's eyes"" 
Can pierce the cloud of imperfection, draw^ 
O'er human character, and virtues spy, 
Beyond the narrow scope of selfish minds. 
Thou could'st forgive, too, were there to be found 
One base enough to harm thee, not alone 
Till seven times, but seventy, sev'n times told. 

While nought of glory or of praise is thine. 
Yet do I love thee, Susan, for that thou 
With meekness and obedienccj (not the boast 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 133 

Of him, who this memento now inscribes,) 
Receives!, and reflectest them around. 

May'st thou continue in the bright ascent. 
From " faith to virtue, thence to knowledge r se^ 
(The knowledge of tiiyself, and of thj God.) 
I.eading to temp'rance, and jet higher on, 
To patience — thence to bless'd pliilanthropj. 
Till Charity" celestial crown them all. 



%n THE AliBtTM OF miBS S-H 5-B. 

I SAW thee, ere thy venerated sire 
Was sever'd from thee. I have met thee oft, 
liink'd with thy lovely sister, and led on 
By gentle hand maternal ; ere I knew 
Thy infant name was Sarah. I remember 
The mild, sweet, smile of innocence, which plaj'd 
O'er thy irradiated countenance; 
And beam'd in sparkles from thy eyes which spake^ 
"When, as a stranger, thou saluted me. 

Time, and vicissitude of circumstance, 
Have brought me nearer to thee, and thy kindred s 
And still, with feelings bordering on paternalj 
Do I behold unchanged, tho' more matur'd, 
As womanhood is ripening upon thee, 
The same sweet smile of innocence, combined 
"With pure intelligence, bespeaking well 
The hand maternal which the twins had rear\!p 
Dispensing to thine eye its brilliancy, 
And to ihy visage its carnation tint. 

May neav'nly piety preserve thee still 
In pristine loveliness, and finally, 
By works accordant perfected, may thou 
Dissolve into the source of Love Divine, 
More pure, more spotless far, than snowy page of 
Mhum, 

■ N 



334 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Z.XNES WRITTEN 12? A VOUN^ 
LADY'S ALBUM. 

•Pure as this Album be thy life, dear maid. 
From blot of sin ; may Charity pervade 
Thy virgin breast, and all its passions rule, 
Calm'd to sweet peace by its Divine controiiL 
The '* one thing needful'' be thy only choice, 
Give inward heed to Jesus^ " still small voice ,"' 
Obey, with ready will, his mandate giv'n, 
So shalt thou taste on earth the rapt'rous bliss of 
Heaven. 



TRANSLATION OF A GERMAN BYMK, 

In Luther* s Collection; beginning 

li^ttn %it^ titv tag geettSet ^9t. 

Now ev'ning shades o'er earth prevail; 

The sun beneath the West 
Has sunk ; and nature, tir'd with toil 

Slumbers in peaceful rest. 

Unwearied, Thou alone, Oh God, 

Remainest in thy might ; 
While darkness, shudd'ring at thy nod 

Flees thee — effulgent Light I 

Deign, Lord, in this benighted state 

Thy canopy to spread ; 
In mercy, let thine angels wait? 

To guard my lonely bed. 



ESSAYS AT POETRYc US 

Defend me from the tempter's snaresj 

Bj thy all-pow'rful host; 
vSo, free from perils and from careSj 

Thv love shall be my boast. 

'fis true, I feel the guilt of siiij 

For this I mourn to ihee; 
But oh ! Thy matchless grace within 

Can save a wretch like me. 

Thou art my surety at the bar 

Of Judgment ; thee I claim 5 
Can I of mercy then despair, 

Possess'd of Jesus' name I 

On this I rest ; and now mine eyes 

In confidence 1 close ; 
God is my guard, and I shall risCj 

Kefresh'd by sweet repose. 

Hence then, vain thoughts ! pursue joiir roadp 

Amid the giddy throng; 
I build a Temple to my God, 

To Him exalt the song. 

If Lord, this night should be my lastj 

In sorrow's vale to spend ; 
Oh ! may my blissful lot be cast, 

With thee, where sorrows endo 

To thee I live, to thee I die, 

Thou high and holy One ! 
In life or death, be Thou but nigli 

Then let Thy will be done. 



136 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

TO MISS MABY H-W-I.. 

Ketire we, Mary, low in humble quiet: 
Or. if we may. in rapt'rous sih'vcp. muse; 

While Adam's sons, with senseless show and riot. 
Their glorious Christian festival abuse. 

See Pride, and liust, and Superstition join, 
To celebrate th' eventful Gospel day ; 

When Love, and Truth, and Fow'r, Jehovah's trine. 
Were veil'd in mortal man's infirmity! 

Armour, in which Apollyon's mighty host. 
In, and as man, he met and overcame ; 

Thus reconciling Adam, fall'n and lost. 

And crowning with a new mysterious name. 

A name which Satan's routed legions dread, 
A name, to which adoring angels bow ; 

Jesus ! inscrib'd in radiance o'er his head,— 
Glory of man in Heav'n, and man below I 



TO X^ZSS ISLHANO^ K-W-X>. 

JSTEW FE^R—XS25. 

** I WISH thee a happy New Year." 

Asks Eleanor, what means the phrase ? 

Could I wish her a round of 'good cheer,' 
For three hundred and sixty -five days, 

With the surplus sis hours — T would not; 

And if rightly her mind I have guess'd. 
She would spurn it as ne'er worth a groat, 

And had rather be sad, than thus bless'd, 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 137, 

No. The checquer of sunshine and shade, 
Is best suited to pilgrims on earth ; 

And bj contrast, well knows the dear maid. 
Are we taught of each blessing the worth. 

Who, the bliss of forgiveness e'er knew, 
'Till repentance had open'd the way? 

Enhanceth not darkness the view, 
Of the morn, and efFalgence of day ? 

Be my wish, then, the wish of her soul, 
As frequent, as warm, as sincere — 

That still nearer the Christian's bright goal, 
.*he may be e'er the close of New Year. 



AN ACROSTIC. 

Extol the Great Redeemer's Name ! 

Mortals, with all your ransom'd pow'rs; 

And let your grateful songs proclaim 

None other Lord nor God but yours. 

Unceasing acts of humble praise, 

Each moment of your life demands ; 

I^oud, and more loud, your voices raise. 

Give glory with your hearts and hands J 

Oh ! what an evidence of love, 

3[)oth JESUS give to sinful man ! 

What could the GOD of Nature move, 

In flesh to dwell ? Mysterious Plan! 

To dwell in frail mortality? 

Hark ! 'Twas that Man, thro^ Death^ might live, 

Unbounded Grace ! Blest Mystery ! 

ISinn^rs ! The saving Truth receive ! 

N 2 



ISe ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

^^ Thou shalt call his name JESUS/' 

When from the realms of bliss, on Mercy's wings. 
The God of Love to earth his visit made ; 
The morning stars — those first-born sons of light, 
FillM the dmnains of Meav'n with shouts and songs ! 
To them, (the vail, now drawn, in part, aside, 
Which hid from view th' Almighty's great design, 
In the creation of their brother, man,) 
Was shewn, in prospect bright, his restoration^ 
From the sad fall^ o'er which th' angelic hosts, 
Ev'n in celestial mansions, oft had wept. 
Their glowing bosoms now new raptures felt; 
And from the plenitude of grateful joy. 
Burst forth this Anthem : Glory in the highest, 
Be to JEHOVAH giv'n ; On earth be peace. 
And to lost man, good-will." Thrice blessed day ! 
Let man responsive sing, in joyful strains, 
«To us a son is born, a child is giv'n." 
Mysterious birth — Oh, gift unspeakable ! 
The Mighty God — in infant weakness cloth'd — 
The Everlasting Fatheu — child of days! 
Crown'^d — while in swaddling-bands — The Prince of 
Peace. 



TRANSLATION, IN 1824, 

Of an Extract from a Latin Prose Work, printed in 
the year 1745. 

OF THE ORZaXN OF THE EARTH. 

Sages of yore, whose minds were more retir'd 

From their gross bodies, and thus nearer Heav'ii; 

O'er nature's inmost works intently por'd, 

Spied, in the revolutions of their times, 

That ages past were nobler than their own; 

And that in those, Justice and Purity, 

With their attendant virtues, sway'd the world: 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 159 

Hence this tradition, that the Gods themselves. 
Did from their starry thrones to earth descend. 
And dwelt in social intercourse with men: 
As if the highest [{eav'n had bow'd itself 
To these inferior regions; and had pour'd 
Its own supreme beatitudes on ail, 
Ev'n to the. utmost verge of air or earth. 

In honour of these gods, the antients nam'd 
Those favoured ages, Saturnine and Golden. 
The earth, they taught, was with delicious fiow'rs^ 
And fruits, of heavenly culture, then adoru'd; 
And that this universe the aspect wore, 
Of one continued paradise or garden ; 
Yea, that the four divisions of the year. 
In one collected, form'd perpetual spring; 
Cool'd by perennial zephyrs of its own. 
Which, while they temper'd ether's ardent heat, 
Fill'd all that dwelt thereon with gladsomeness. 

With scenery thus wrought, the wise of old 
Open'd the theatre of this our orb : 
Doubtless, because in ev'ry of her sports. 
Her births, her products, whether quick or dead j 
The express image they could contemplate. 
Of order thus consummate: for they saw 
That nothing was without its spring and fioic* T"^ 
Without its infancy and innocence. 
Representations of particulars. 
Are, of the gen'ral but so many mirrors^ 
And, vice versa; for particulars, 
From generals themselves a place obtain. 
Convinced of this perpetual law of nature. 
Into primeval times they trac'd it back; 
Inferring that the like estates, of spring 
And infancy, were common to them all. 

Attempt we thus our universe to scan 
In ail these various singulars reflected ; 



140 ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

And, by analogy, from these evolve. 
Of times and ages the fix'd destinies. 
But ah ! how vain all human enquiry. 
Void of the fav'ring influence of Him — 
The Deity Supreme ! from whom alone, 
Fountain and sun of wisdom infinite, 
Flow triitlifii as rays, to our intelligence ! 
Therefore to HinJ^in deep humility. 
We bow, and supplicate his gracious aid. 



Around the centre of this universe, 
In ceaseless circuits doth our globe revolve; 
Tracing, as in an orbit, her vast course. 
Throughout the constellated zodiac. 
Each revolution round the glorious sun 
Back to the point from vv'hich her course she sped 
iier Year is nam'd. Rolling on oblique axis, 
^Upward toward the north inclin'd, and downward 
Tow'rd its opposite: diverging thus, 
From the great equidial circle moves ; 
And thus, at each degree, in ev'ry place, 
The varied aspect of the sun she views. 
And hence the four divisions of the year, 
Spring, summer, autumn, winter, are deriv'd. 

But other revolution she performs, 
As of a wheel upon its axis turn'd ; 
Extending through th' equator to the poles: 
And thus the vast circumference graduates. 
Of this, each part, or grade, is callM a day. 
In each degree, the rise and altitude, 
And setting of the orb of light, are seen 5 
And thus, ai>;ain, each day's quaternary. 

Of MORN, meridian, EVENING, and NIGHT, 

With HouRb on each attendant, as their days? 
jVleasure the times of times of ev'ry year. 
Hence the four intervals of mimic years, 
Jii these diurnal intervals we trace ; 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 141 

Spying ill the viorn^ and siiinmer in wid-daij^ 
111 ev*ni)2g, autumn^ winter in tlie night. 

Lip:r as this orb tetraqueous seeks the sun. 
So tends the moon unto her centre, (•■':? rf/'i ; 
And. J!) her circuit, two opposin;; poiuts. 
Or NODES, upon the equinoctial cuts; 
While through her proper zodiac she dances. 
And at each minute chanj;es place and aspect. 
According as she nears to either pole; 
Reflecti?i2, thus her ever-varjing light. 
These circuits are her jears, bj us naniM months. 
In her behold again the effigy 
Of course, and times, and of vicissitudes, 
Flowing from these, as from inferior causes; 
Like to the times and changes in our earth, 

Huge, pond'rous bodies, beside these, there arc^ 
Wand'ring about the common fount of light, 
Within this solar universe, call VI planets^* 
These in like manner, round their centre whirl. 
At various distances; these all describe, 
In harmony, their vast peripheries : 
And all enjoy their years, and times, and spaces. 
Immense in mass, they too, like our earth. 
Their axes to their sev'ral polea erect ; 
And bend. In boundless zodiacs^ their courses. 
Hence all the changing seasons too are theirs: 
All have their spring time, summer^ autumn, wirrler. 
Borne to'), round proper axes, as in wlieels, 
Each planet sees, at ev'ry grade, her sun 
Arise at tuont^ and set at eventide; 
Hence luiduai/. nighty and intermediate grades, 
Of lights and shades, proportionate, are theirs. 

Round these are Satellites, which, like our 
mo{)n. 
The light of ev'ry changing disk reflect;— 
That which, at fiirthest distance from the sun 



142 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Projected, traverses ethereal space. 
Lest it should hesitate, and doubt its way; 
Is furnish'd with a luminous retinue; 
Which, as one lunar mirror^ girds it round. 
Collects the wearied solar rays; and pours 
The lucid treasure full into its face. 

Round the grand syste'.n, where the solar oixn 
His planets, and attendant moons, revolve; 

Innumerable sfars the heav'ns illume; 

These are the fancied constellations twelve^ 

"Whose sections form the zodiacal signs. 

And fix the visible immensity. 

On thrones immoveable they sit,;is suns, 

And o'er their several realms their light diftuse; 

For each his proper universe controuls, 

Greater or less, proportioned to the pow'r, 

And quantity, of light in which he dwells. 

These in celestial bands each other press. 

And, thro' concatenations endless twine 

The sphere celestial; and thro' boundless orbits. 

Compose one Form, the model of «/^ forms; 

Where, in sweet concord, one and all conspire, 

T' impart stability and strength to all. 

From union thence resulting, the complex 
Of universes, Firmament is nam'd; 
For, m this grand confederated body, 
No member boasts of aught he calls his own| 
Save this, that from the great community 
He feels the inilux ; and again restores it. 
From his own orb, into the common stock. 
Hence all received and reflected lights, 
They lock not up within their selfish spheres | 
But pour them forth around, on ef ry orb, 
Ev'n to the opuke bodies of our world ; 
Their aid imparting, whensoe'er the sun 
Forsakes oul- hemisphere and lets in niglit. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. H: 

Withiu the precincts of this universe, 
'Tls said, vast bodies circumcurrent move 5 
Which to the sun, as to a centre, tending. 
Mature with ages, and obtain a place. 
Sol, as a venerable parent, views 
The distant efforts of his racing sons. 
For ages striving to attain the goal ; 
Consults their common, and their separate, good i 
And, altho' distant, with perpetual care 
Is present with them, lights them with his raySj 
And from his bosom cherishes with warmth 5 
Gives each a gaudy vestment ev'rj year ; 
With food perennial nurtures ; and the life 
Of all prolongs, and crowns them with his light. 
But while these various functions of his office^ 
As primogenitor f the sun performs ; 
Whence, in the nature of causation, springs 
That, which the destinies of worlds evolves—* 
Of worlds, from their primordial existence? 
From Mind — ^responds the radiant orb, — from Mi.NB 
And heav'n-taught reason owns the silent truth ! 

In order, first this earth we contemplate. 
Ere yet she bursts the confines of her egg; 
Next in her infancy, her flow'r of youth. 
And lastly, trace her through her destinies*, 
As these, with others, in the mirror vast. 
Of universal nature, we behold. 
In all things coinciding; we infer. 
By consequents, from antecedents drawn^ 
(rroof incontestible) her origin 
To be from series the self-same deriv'd. 

Time, therefore, was, as tho' it ne'er had been* 
When erst the bodies of this universe, 
The teeming sun as mighty embryos bore ' 
And, in succession, hurl'd them into air. 
This truth is, without demonstration, clear. 
Of these vast bodies^ pond^rgus and inert^ 



244 ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

Neither gestation in their burning focus, 

Nor vet the subsequent expulsive pow'r; 

Cou](1 ever froai themselves have been deriv\l : 

Eut exhahitions like the Sun himself, 

And fron him ilovving and deriving virtue, 

Are but, at best, his idtiinate eifects. 

Ilenre learn we, that at first the source of Light. 

Was, bv his ovvn eiTulgent Ilalitus, 

(And this excited by eradiation, 

And thence thrown out on all sides) overspread. 

Thene, from all parts, in fulness confluent, 

As by refructioru sought their wonted rest. 

Still more and more condens'd, the subtle fluid;?. 

A nebulous circumference became : 

Which, like unto an albugineous mass, 

Clos'd in the Sun himself; and form'd, at length. 

Tke Mighty Ovum of the Universe. 

That then in time,, the intercepted rays, 

And spiracles upon its surfiice, clos'd, 

A crust or shell contracted; which the sunj 

Glowing and tumid at th' appointed hour, 

Burst; and those pondrous masses, seen dispers'd 

Throughout this universe, sent whirling forth: 

A glorious prT^gen}'' of lights, which stilly 

Drawn by his iove, admire and obey ! 

Alike in all things, whether in the greatj 
Or lesser subjects of this mundane sphere; 
In either ef the kingdoms of this earth, 
Whether viviparous, from seed, or egg, 
They be pro<!uc%l ; the ratio holds the same > 
For these but figure the grand universal. 
And emulate it in their little spheres. 

This crusted arch immense, when wide disploding'^ 
Forth leapt in air those massy wanderers; 
Aping, in this vast universe, our earth. 
Somcy yet unformed, nor yet in ether hung. 
Or clasp the skirts of their great gesitorj 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 143 

Defying ev'ry force to pluck them thence 5 
Or fringe his lap, or sparkle o'er his bosom. 

Soon as the Sun his folding doors had clos'd. 
He, from the plenitude of tumid fount, 
Thro' gaping mouths, into the boundless void 
Of space, his igneous halitus diffus'd ; 
With co-extending pow?rs and virtues fraught^ 
To neighb'ring and ulterior distances. 
To each an Mmosphere and Space he gave. 
Hence Ether sprang, \vhich now around the Sun^ 
And round these bodies simultaneous thrown; 
Like swathing bands aerial, wrap'd them in : 
And next with spheres conforming with their motions^ 
In nice exactitude surrounded each; 
In each periphery a vortex plac'd, 
Which in perpetual circles drew them on; 
And by their means the common centre turn'do 
Then first these melted masses, fluid yet. 
From this concourse of centripetal pow'rs; 
rheir present form orbicular put on. 
These new made orbs, yet void of gravity, 
Since only at th^ir centres borne and whirl'd, 
By circumfuyed ether; repent first,' 
Then step by step, infantile, round the sun. 
Their course attempted ; next in mazy dance. 
Of swift and measured circuits, nimbly tripp'd ; 
And years, and days, and times, then first assum'd. 

While in their pristine seasons, round and round. 
These globes in short, impetuous course were dragg'd^ 
Forming their annual peripheries; 
True to prescribed rotatory laws, 
Of all celestial bodies; further outward. 
Into circumferences more extended. 
In form of current wreath they cast themselves 3 
And thus by spiral sallies from their centre, 
And from the fervid bosom of their parents s 
O 



146 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

With gentle pace, and cautious, they withdrew ; 

Then, as if wean'd, a sep'rate course pursued. 

Of these, each balanced in his proper sphere^ 

With gravity to mass proportinate ; 

From natal centre swift or slow receded.-™ 

The brethern separated thus, each one 

With giv'n velocity in space arose. 

His volutations wid'ning more and more, 

Thro' grades ethereal, to his utmost bound. 

Some too, their little orbs^ or more or less^ 

Away from the paternal court decoy'd. 

Into their circling spheres, as Satellites, 

Or servants. One alone our earth withdrew 

As bondmaid, Luna nam'd. Her office ^tis. 

The sun's bright image on her glass to catchy 

And nightly on her mistress to reflect. 

Thus, where, and howsoe'er, themselves they turn 5 

Their actions and their movements all are seen. 

As present v/ith their common genitor. 

Our orb, about the sun, in ceaseless rounds. 
And periwinkle spires, perennial mov'd 5 
The better to present to him each point 
Of her fair form, yet nude and delicate ; 
That so, at ev'ry turn, the vital warmth 
Of his parental breath, she might receive. 
As yet she was not earth ; but like some bare 
And shoreless water, a vast fluid heap 
Of principles, of inert nature, form'd, 
Gather'd, and bound by rays of neighb'ring heat^ 
From sol's intensely ardent focus driv'n ; 
And from her inmost deep with fervour boil'd* 
At length these principles, or elements 
Of gross and inert nature, coalesced 
Into new secondaries, wat'ry, saline. 
Earthy, and the like ; lastly, from theso 
Sprang infinite varieties of forms. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY 147 

Numberless duties, changes numberless. 
This orb was doom'd to suffer, and perform 5 
Which, as eificient causes in herself. 
Should, in continuous series, educe 
Common effects. This order of successives. 
And ceaseless continuity of cause 5 
Is that which gives perfection to our earths 

Two principles of nature had existed. 
And flourish'd now; active and passive thesCp 
That filPd the universe, and of its pow'rs 
And principles, the atmosphere was Ether; 
But this the passive, gather'd into one ; 
Gave ferm to globes, suspended them ; and pois'd 
Within the vortex of the active pow'rs. 
Now was the marriage of these principles 5 
That from their junction there might be deriv'dl 
A new and intermediate atmosphere ; 
Which nearest to the orb should move, and catch 
The solar fires, and modify their heat; 
In just proportion to its varying state. 
Its density and column. This, brought forthj 
Was air, which from its origin deriv'd 
What most resembled ether, in all modes 5 
And in additi©n,as possessing wei^/i^. 
Could cause itself, and earth, to gravitate. 

This atmospheric fruit of ties connubialj 
Between the subtile principles, exhal'd 
From this orb's bosom, and th' etherial spirit | 
Gave to that heat which from the igneous fount 
Flow'd out, incipient temp'rature. When firsts 
Our liquid orb a filmy tunic wore. 
More dense becoming, as the affluence 
Of subemergent particles increas'd, 
From her yet fervid central furnace throwno 

Thus deck'd as with a gorgeous robCj this orb^ 
In comeliness and beauty exquisite. 



148 ESSAYS AT POETRY. 

Her first appearance as of earth put on. 
For smooth and even v/as her surface then, 
From spot, declivity or valley free; 
A sphere interminable, water'd o'er 
With rivulets and streams from thermals deep : 
Transmitting the warm life thro' all her frame. 
A dewy cloud encompass'd, which, embued 
With the fresh atmosphere, her bosom press'd ; 
And by its constant cooling influence cheer'd. 

In beauty thus array 'd, the virgin earth 
Like a new ovum seem'd; save that her surface 
With num'rous ovula was studded o'er: 
These Were collections of the tender germs 
Of future kingdoms; whose components since. 
In triple order rang'd, by us are nam'd, 
^Mineral, Vegetable^ Jinimal. 
These germs or seeds were yet promiscuoiiSj 
The rudiments of one within the other; 
For in the min'ral, as a matrix, lay 
The vegetable ; and in this was wrapp'd, 
As in its nurse's lap, the animal. 
Each in due order was in time evoiv'd : 
And thus the present did the past contain, 
And both conceal'd the future; for in series 
Continued, each was in the next enfolded. 
Hence sprang; the ratio of vicissitudes, 
In this our earth ; v/here each to other yok'd. 
In view of consequents, commenceth still, 
While antecedents are in turn forgot. 
And, as within her orbit she progress'd. 
Receding from her centre; she involv'd 
New pow'rs, whence USES in their order flo^v'd. 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 140. 

TRJJYSLATIOJ^ 

FROM THE SAME LATIN WORK, 

OF PAllil.l>SSI2> 

Unclad as yet, and unadorn'd, the eartli 
In years encreas'd ; and as a virgin purCj 
Hasted to blossom in maturity. 
Whilst yet in her interior rev(dution, 
The borders of the sun she iseerri'd to graze 5 
So swiftly did she traverse through her timeS; 
That ages she perform'd in miniature ; 
Which, measured by the spaces of our times^ 
Scarce equalled in extent so many months. 
Each revolution was a solar year^ 
Each turn upon her axis form'd a day. 
Yet still those times, like spaces, she encreas'dj 
While in a spiral mode, diverging round, 
Her revolutions still she amplified. 

Time therefore was, when, as it were a speckj 
Around the sun she travers'd — Then, ^'re long, 
Press'd on the orbit of that wandhnng star, 
Which at this day moves nearest to the sun^ 
Next of that beauteous planet, Venus nam'd, 
Which ushers in the morn, and crowns the eve. 
And thus no space was found, from solar centre^ 
To that circumference where now she moves 5 
Unintercepted in her mazy rounds. 
Or where her circling footsteps had not been. 
Thus, thro' successive evolutions borne 
Continuous; the earth her bounds enlarg'd, 
Her years increasing, till at length arriv'd 
To bloom of virgin age ; and to the goal 
Then iirst prescrib'd, and never since transgress'd^ 
Her circuits, nor contracted nor enlarg'dj 



130 ESSAYS AT POETRY, 

A certain medium now were doomM to hold ^; 
Namely, that the four seasons of the year, 
Should each so closely on the other presSj 
Its bounds invading ; as if each in turn, 
Did change into and subrogate the other, 
Like spokes upon the swiftly moving wheel ; 
So, when short «pring to shorter summer yielded^ 
That, to fleet autumn's brief authority, 
By winter seizM ; his oflice it became, 
To render back to spring the varying year— 
To spring — tho' oft forsaken, not divorc'd. 
Thus times quarternary, altho' distinct; 
By swift alternate influx coalesc'd, 
Forming a unit'— a perpetual spring. 
For so contracted was the space of each. 
That summer's ardent heat could not inflame, 
Or aggravate, the milder warmth of spring ; 
Kor autumn's — much less winter's — pow'r annul* 
Thus with variety and hindrance bland, 
Did each the other gratefully assuage. 

For ling'ring and delay were first induc'd 
By cold and shade, saddening the face of things; 

But the quJ*>U alternation brnkp the spell, 

And all was chang'd into delightfulness. 
Thus, by their contiguity made one, 
There seem'd a vernal firmament serene, 
Attemper'd sweetly by the welcome cold. 

Ev'n days, like years, by sudden changes toCj 
The ills of diuturnity dispell'd; 
Boon as Aurora had the morn unveil'd. 
Midday approach'd, and led it down to eve; 
Thence, thro' some moments of the night detain'd- 
Safe to Aurora brought the morn again. 
The genial warmth of day, the cold ne'er marr'd^ 
But tempering by alternation mild, 
And grateful ; as with int'rest sent it back, 
Enrich'd into her sister's glowing bosom= 



ESSAYS AT POETRY. 151 

Thus, all of space and time, greatest and leasts 
Conspir'd to hasten earth's florescent age ; 
And introduce her to perennial spring. 

Nor times and spaces only lent their aid| 
E'en stars celestial, atmospheres, and earth 
Herself, harmoniously their forces join'd, 
To crown the orb, in this her lasting station, 
With such a spring°resembling temp'rature. 
The stars of Heav^7i, hast'ning their rise and setting. 
Their light sent forth into the dubious shade 
Nocturnal ; and with splendour unremitted. 
The shrouding darkness scatter'd from her disk; 
And qualified the atmospheres themselves, 
As apt recipients of the warming beams 
Of Sol, descended, soon again to rise. 
The moon^ now nearer to her mighty sire, 
On his bright countenance^ enraptur'd, gaz'd; 
And, thro' the fulness of reflected light, 
Her influence shed upon earth's middle sphere 3 
And thus that warmth prepar'd it to receive. 
Which his returning beams should bless withaL 

The nearest atmosphere itself, or air, 
Now quicken'd by abundant light and heat; 
And warm 'd by dews prolific, from the lap 
Of earth exhal'd 5 breath'd forth its pow'r benign-=« 
No raging wind yet blew — nor had as jet 
Coesias or Boreas^ with tempestuous storm. 
Shook the affrighted air. No baneful fogs 
Eclips'd the splendour of the sun and stars. 
Serene was all ; save that at intervals. 
The zephyrs fann'd the murm'ring winds to sleep. 
Ev'n Earth herself, with blessings thus begirt. 
And, from the surface to her deep recess. 
Glowing with genial warmth; the tribute pour'd^ 
Of her collected influent delights, 
Back to the bosoms of her num'rous friends, 
Thiis^ to the recent earth, as to a centre^ 



152 



ESSAYS AT POETRY, 



'Twould seem as if, in one perpetual spring, 
All Heav'n had come down ; and were rejoicing 
in licr, the sole blest object of their loTe! 







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6 copies 


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